What is Peat Moss? I Pros and Cons
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- Опубликовано: 7 фев 2025
- Peat moss is an affordable growing medium with great water holding capacity - but what is the environmental cost of using peat? Read more: university.ups...
Peat moss - essentially accumulated biomass - has a great water holding capacity and can be a great tool for hydroponic and aquaponics growers. However, peat moss is not a renewable resource, and can cause anaerobic zones if not mixed with other media. More renewable alternatives to peat moss are coco coir and wood pulp products.
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Timestamps/What's Covered:
00:36 How Peat Moss is made
01:32 Peat Moss is not very renewable
01:54 Coco Coir
02:53 Peat Moss is not appropriate for all hydroponic systems
03:44 Mixing Peat Moss
06:28 When to use Peat Moss
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Here in Michigan, we have black peat moss. We've used peat moss as planting beds exclusively when building landscapes for new and existing homes. We would orger upwards of 10 to 20 yards of peat and build up beds to the point that all plasnts, trees, evergreens, and perennials would be in pure peat. We did this because we never trusted topsoil to be free of weeds, tall field grass, and all the other junk that comes with it. And theses days when you buy topsoil is all repurposed soil that was brought in by other landscapers as rejected soil be it old sod, or excavation of foundations, or putting in driveways...just rejected soil overall. It then gets screened, but in that process you get broken up weeds, and weed seeds that ends up in your topsoil. So we've been avoiding that entire scenario, especially since we create a lot of perennial beds, and don't want any weeds infiltrating those plants. The gardens look beautiful and for the most part weed free. Afterall, we've always felt if peat is extracted from the earth 10 to 20 feet below the surface, then there's no weeds down that deep. Unlike even virgin topsoil where it's scraped off the top of fields where there grows field weeds that are 4 feet tall, and all the underweeds that go along with it and those roots that can be major trouble in a new landscape. Is it wrong to use 100% peat ase we have been doing?
Everything he said is 100% false information he's just repeating. 100% okay to use pure peat.
Super impressed with both the info and the clarity of the presentation (speaking skills are off the charts too)- thank you!
Thanks for your comments. Be sure to subscribe if you didn't already.
I'm a complete beginner growing plants. Thanks for teaching me what peat moss and coconut coir is. I'm growing ferns. I still have to learn what the best soil mix for this plant is.
Thank you for your valuable information about Peat Moss especially the part where it begins to decompose and clump together when other nutrients like Nitrogen is added. Thanks to you, I will mix peat moss with soil and still be able to add other fertilizers.
I watched this because Cody's Lab said that peat moss was not renewable. I didn't know that. Thanks.
This isn't in fact accurate but a myth that started in Europe. In much of Europe most of the peat bog wetlands have disappeared or have been damaged extensively, through over-harvesting over a long period of time, and by drainage to allow for the development of agricultural land and urban sprawl.
You ever arrive somewhere and just think where am I and how did I get here? I literally just googled 'what is peat' because I saw them digging it on a crime drama and now I'm here, and I am baffled and out my depth.
Coco coir is incredibly expensive compared to peat moss. $20 for 11 pounds of coco coir at Home Depot vs. maybe $10 to $12 for 2 cubic feet, which I'd guess weighs about 30 pounds dry. They don't tend to sell the peat by weight as moisture content affects the weight a great deal. So you're looking at a cost maybe five or six times as high for coco coir vs peat.
If you're just planting a few flower pots worth of stuff, that's no big deal, but when you measure your garden in acres, that turns into hundreds and thousands of dollars extra spent for coir.
Thanks for the insight there, Gewgulkan!
I get that economics play an important role in choices, and they should, but there are other factors to consider. At what point in time is a love of money more important than a healthy home for future generations.
Well two years later coconut blocks are cheaper to buy than peat. A block that can turn into 70L Is £6 whereas 70L of Peat is way more.
@@wicker762 Everyday.... money is more important. Where have you been living? It's all around us......regrettably.
I'm brand new to growing my Monstera. I paid alot. It's about 10" across with 5 leaves of approx the same size. Healthy. Just got it this month. Other Monstera growers can be FANATICALLY INVOLVED AND DIVIDED, I am finding out. I really just want straight up advise without posturing or drama and I like your vibe and enjoy your channel. My sitch is that I lack the moisture I think it will need so I plan a pebble tray to deal with that. I have 3 types of soil... thingys....
1.straight up coir from the brick all soft and barely moist right now.
2. A lucious mix I made from half cactus/succulent soil premix and half coir with a good dose if pearlite and a healthy few handful of pea pebbles.
3. African violet soil. Brand new in bag. (Was sent by mistake but too expensive to ship back and I want to know how to use it anyhow)
All of my supplies except coir are that namebrand that has green bags and promises miracles. Just fyi.
Out of what I have, what would you suggest I use to pot my new monstera into? Using 12" plastic pot with drainage.
Thank you for any and all drama free advise!! Rock on with the channel!
Thank you for a well explained video
I learned something new
Glad it was helpful! Happy growing.
I think he's getting that peat moss is not good for Hydroponics. Although peat moss is good for soil, because it's just getting water when it needs water. But in the seventies when I was in horticulture we used Pete vermiculite perlite and compost and put it in a big mixer and mixed it all up and that's what we used to seed plant transplant out the door. Today I would substitute perlite and vermiculite with gypsum Rock and maybe volcano small core Rock
Thank you for your quick response it's much appreciated,happy gardening.
You too, Kevin! Happy New Year.
Thank you for a well-explained video. I have always used coir, the finer variation for seeding raising as well as propagating cuttings. I am getting more fancy and bought a bag of peat moss to see if I could get a better result. Your explanations have certainly clarified the purposes of peat moss. It is not a cure all, but is great if used in combination with other components.
Excellent. Glad to hear that this is improving things for you. Feel free to join our Facebook group for Zip Growers where you can post some of your successes. facebook.com/groups/zipgrowers
I found you channel while researching for a substrate for a planted tank I am building, coco coir sounds like a good alternative, it won't make a mess in the tank and won't change the ph as much as peat or sphagnum thanks for the info. .......
Coco Coir can have a high sodium content from ocean salt water which can affect the growth of your produce.
good point, yes changing the medium for growing will effect your produce and you will have to play around to adjust levels of nutrients. You may be interested to know that we are looking into some fully sustainable options for 2022 since peat moss is not a renewable source.
No one in my area sells coir/coconut soil amendments. After learning about the environmental impact of using peat moss I really wanted to switch! Guess I will keep asking for it.
I live near peat swamps and bogs. Peat is DEFINITELY renewable. Place something in a swamp or bog and it will soon be covered by leaves and plant debris. Besides, harvesting peat creates no toxic waste. What's the problem?
The problem is it took thousands of years for the detritus to form the actual peat, it is organic but once they use up all the available peat we'll have to wait another couple thousand years before the stuff that is settling to the bottom of the bogs now will be in the form of actual peat - that is why they say it isn't 'renewable' as in you can't renew it in this lifetime or the next 200. So, they try to conserve the harvesting of it cause once we're out...we're out.
@@Nexus2Eden The 113 million hectares of sphagnum in Canada are not going to disappear anytime soon (bryophyta are ancient, tough forms of life). The horticultural use aspect is also a different matter in the country itself. Entire valleys in British Columbia and Ontario are developed on decomposed topsoil peat. Imagine planting camellias, azaleas, and other acid items directly into your yard without needing to amend a thing in your garden (many towns, even on mild Vancouver Island). If global warming is as serious as the estimates suggest, then Canada is the future paradise of the hobby gardeners of North America.
Which works better for aeration in container soil perlite or peat moss
You remind me SO MUCH of Sam Calagione from Dogfish Head. There's a resemblance there, the way you speak, your physical movements when speaking. Both of you know the "science" of the product you're talking about, etc. Did I find your long lost brother? 😀
Compost is also an organic matter. Can compost replace peat moss as soil amendment for a lawn?
You my friend are a wealth of information.
Thanks , very well explained. Thanks once again.
Glad it was helpful!
Would anybody explain if peat moss could help to amend the clay soil into better garden soil ? Thanks!
thank God I checked this out cuz I almost put all my cannabis plants in 15 gallon buckets of pure peat. will definitely go pick up pearlite tomorrow
You planted something in pure peat moss?
Sounds like you smoke a lot of pot, duh.
lmao jokes yo do some no till researcj youll thank me later
He did say almost planted!
peat moss has never failed me when seeding a new lawn.
It's good stuff and it's more abundant than prentendo scientist knows
@@worldserpent731 That's a bit unfair. He didn't say that it's not abundant, only that it's not renewable at the rate that it's currently being harvested. It's a valid concern, even if it's unlikely to become an issue in the near future.
@@Monaleenian It is renewable look further into it
Useful video
Glad you liked it
Thank you for getting to the point.Loved the video!
There are 113.6 million hectares here in Canada and we only harvest 0.03% of it - very little indeed. Its highly regulated and bogs are reactivated at end of use: by reintroduction of peatland plant species, along with various techniques to improve micro-environmental conditions for plant establishment; and then Re-wetting the land.
I'm not convinced. Just use coconut peat, it's cheaper, renewable and better for the environment.
@@DannyTillotson Here is the issue. Peat moss grow right here 20 km down the road and coconut thousands of km down the road. We do not have coconut in this area but a lot of peat moss. The fuel to ship coconut here makes no sense. Perhaps where you live but not here for sure. We also have seaweed right by our house less than 1 km away. Cheers.
Hi, what is the ratio of peat moss to compost for container gardening?
But what about Kate Moss? It looks mutch better then other moss
I only use peat moss for Venus flytraps. For other stuff we have lots of coconut coir and carbonized rice hull here in the Philippines 😄
Sounds great! Yes Coco coir is becoming a popular more sustainable option.
Which quality of peat moss we have to use for our sidlings.
This was UBER helpful and exactly what I was looking for! Thank you 🙏🏽
what do you suggest to use for indoor plants ?
Hi Jenny, thanks for your question. It depends on the type of plant. You can try a DWC beginner kit for tall statured crops or for salad greens, fruiting plants etc you can use our Zip tower technology- with the Zip method we start the seeds in flexi plugs, once you have an established seedling it is easily transferred into the ZipGrow towers. All of these starter kits can be found here shop.zipgrow.com/collections/seedling-and-growing
Should i add compost or garden soil with vermiculite,peat moss and perlite mixture to prepare the potting soil? thanks
What should I mix with potting soil for my tomatoes, bell peppers, & potatoes? I have a potted garden.
Would it be good to add to clay soil?
coir has better and more uses without knocking balance too much but peat moss should only be uses for soil structure to balance clay, mud, sand, and compost from compacting which can help retain moisture and allow soil and compost to breath i have had experience with peat moss use before and also have tried heavy use for it but it doesn't perform well in general in fact poorly which i do not recommend it as main soil structure for the ball center of where the main plant roots will be sitting and absorbing it's main nutrients both center and top but should only be used for mainly outer soil structure away from the center ball of the plant roots that way it can retain moisture throughout the day of the ground heat underneath the top soil without having to water area of the plants and will be able to focus only on the base roots, so my advice use peat to save watering and however irrigation is depending on where you plant at North/South facing zones (outdoors) and region you live in rain persistent/drought spell persistent and that consistency changes to all spring/fall to all summer.
How our plant survive in coco coir because most of the people telling me that it don't have any nutritions in it?
thanks for the info, found it really interesting and informative! I am trying to germinate EU Sweet Chestnuts, ive had very little success over the last couple of years (only 2 trees from approx 150-200 seeds), the issue is always that the seed rots before it is stratified. I have tried putting the seeds in a bag in the fridge with 3 year decomposed leaf mould (this is where the 2 successes came from) and also a tray of seeds left out over winter (none germinated). I was planning to try a mix of Coco Coir, leaf mould and perlite this year and leave in the fridge again to stratify. Any tips would be greatly appreicated! Many thanks
Cool!
Nice shirt, too!!
I am in philippines.my question is, can I use saw dust as peat moss.
Good question, but we wouldn't recommend it! Saw dust will become very compacted and rot very quickly, whereas peat moss stays aerated, and maintains good soil structure. Some companies have started using recycled wood fibers to replace peat as a more sustainable option, but this requires specialized technology to get long-fibred wood particles to create a proper soil structure.
You explained it very well explained is what I was looking for what I needed to know about Peat . THis explains why I had calathea zebrinas died once I water it in winter I only misted it not water and it had new growth, however in Summer I decided to water it , and withing a short time second water in weeks, it changed ,yellow edges, brown and brittle and lost leaves and it died. The plant came from the nursery with peat I did not reported . Can I use sand soil and coir instead ? thank you for this valuable information.
Is coco coir and coco peat the same thing?
thanks; very informative instruction. But what I am trying to figure out that lead me to this video is 'UNDER WHAT CONDITIONS IS PEAT MOSS USED AND NOT USED?' As in, what type of plants, tree seeds, or veggie seeds respond "WELL" or and "not well" when peat moss is used. And is it only good for propagating seeds and then the plants needs to be transplanted into another growing medium.
It's less about what will work vs not work...and more about what needs to be taken into account when using each given one. Most commercial crops from ornamentals to trees, to veggies and leafy greens can all be grown in peat moss, right through to maturity (ot's not just used for propagating seeds). Different growers prefer different types of media based on their systems set up as well as access to substrates. You may like this recent blog post on alternatives to peat media-zipgrow.com/an-earth-day-dive-environmental-impact-and-growing-media/
Well explained thank you will combine it with watapana and woodchips and soil
Thanks...
You're welcome! Glad it helped
Sir i need your help for identification of bryophytes
There should be some data on how not renewable it is.
Did you actually wash the coco peat prior to using it
Hi, the type of coco coir that we use now is pre-rinsed though there are some suppliers that don't perform that step. It's best to check the packaging or contact the supplier if unsure.
Outstanding information on the subject. Got my question answered.
This guy is a save the world hippie that doesn't have all of his facts, peat moss replenishes itself much faster than we can use it. Canada harvests only about 0.1% and it replenishes itself at a rate of over 40%. Coconut coir is 8 times the price and nowhere near as good.
So what do you recommend? 50/50 peat moss and perlite?
So is peat moss considered hydroponic?
can you use this for succulents?
Could you give a few examples of the paper pulp medias you talked about in the beginning of the video? I haven't heard about these new medias yet, maybe you could do a video on it one day?
Thanks for the idea! We'll add it to the list.
I am soo confused.. I always just use black soil?
Can we use only peat moss for seedlings
Thanks for the video! 👍
Interestingly this video seems to contradict a lot of lawn advice, in that, peat moss is touted as being a way of adding extra aeration to compacted clay soil (once decomposed and integrated into the soil). This video says that one of peat moss's side effects is that it compacts and causes anaerobic areas in the root zone (and requires an extra medium to counteract this behaviour). I would be interested in whether these two statements contradict each other, and/or which advice is closer to reality. I wonder if there is such a thing as a scientific soil compaction study and comparisons between aeration methods and soil productivity and weed growth.
If you have any doubt that peat moss eventually compresses and caused compaction I recommend you try it in your garden. It will only take a few years to realize just how much it compresses. Peat as a soil texture improver is a pipe dream that fools many from it's immediate result.
@@wicker762 Wrong. I've been using Peat moss for years on my lawn when I seed. And I've got the best lawn in my whole neighborhood. Neighbors have started using peat moss when they ask my how my lawn is so healthy. So I've seen results. That debunk your claim.
Could I mix peat moss with black cow manure compost for my lawn as a top dressing? Not sure what mixture ratio.
Can we used for earthworm maintenance
Earthworms require organic matter to break down in order to feed. This includes fungi, algae, moss, twigs, and invertebrate life. If growing organically, make sure the soil is amended with organic material and they’ll help with aerating the soil. They also help a plant in absorbing nutrients.
In standard hydroponic systems that use synthetic fertilizers, a worm population would not take hold. Worms can die off from exposure to ammonia and salt build-up from these fertilizers.
Thank you! Well explained!
What is your opinion on Miracle-Gro Indoor Potting Soil Mix (for house plants)?
My experience so far with two plants (Golden Pathos) in it is that it's very absorbent and holds water probably too well. I think it would take two months to get the top two inches to dry out.
Since my name is Pete is there any bonus for growing :)
Absolutely! Sprinkle a few of your hairs on the soil for faster growth!
Is this good for Florida Kingsnake
Thank you.😉
Where did you get the clear plastic covers for your wire shelves?
thanks for information what is the best soil for in door plants
Really appreciate your work sir. I am wintering a curcuma in zone 7 in a pot of peat moss. What's your opinion on this please?
Learned a lot thanks
sphagnum moss and peat moss what is the difference ? please tell me
Hi, great video. My question is: Why use Perlite at all with Peat to increase drainage instead of simply using Compost which probably drains better than Peat in any case? Thanks in advance!
You should add both always in a potting mix. Aeration is necessary I prefer pumiice instead
Thank you so much. It’s really helpful
Hi I am trying to to build hugulkulture bed for the first time in a small piece of land. I am confused with the layering. I have small patches of dark soil which I believe from decaying of leaves and figs. I have patches of top soil where it is brown in color. And I have lots of dry leaves and figs lying around. Just mixing and layering these 3 will be enough for vegetables and shrubs? I also have access to sand and cow dung. Is it ok to mix cow dung to theses layers? Some videos talk about not mixing cow dung to leaf mulch coz it can kill plants eventually they say. Is that true? I also need to create a potting mix for vegetables seeds and tree saplings which I eventually want to transfer to rest of the land in a permaculture method. Can you give some guidance for both? A garden bed and potting mix with the ingredients available in my land?
very informative, thanks for posting.
Happy to help, Richard!
Bright Agrotech btw is there a major difference between peat moss and peat?
Are you familiar with Bush Doctor Coco Loco potting mix ? I find it holds way too much water , even mixed with half pumice and other grit . Will standard coco coir that comes in blocks hold less water than coco loco ? I’m into succulents and I notice that the ones that come in what seems to be pure coco coir are very happy. But I’m not sure what’s in that mix .
Can someone tell me how exactly does Peat smell like? I've searched online and the concentration seems to be on taste, I'm into smell.
I mix coco coir with peat moss for my ball python enclosure found out it’s bad gona be changing asap!!
Oh, sorry to hear that. In the R&D farm we use these flexiplugs shop.zipgrow.com/collections/seedling-and-growing/products/flexiplug-225s-case-of-3500
thanks that info. was very helpful
Good to hear!
Very good information right here 👌
Glad it was helpful!
Great video! Thank you.
Happy to help Adriana!
🎯 Key Takeaways for quick navigation:
00:34 🌱 *Peat moss originates from anaerobic bogs where accumulated biomass forms layers over time.*
01:45 🌍 *Peat moss harvesting isn't renewable in human timeframes, prompting consideration of more sustainable alternatives like coco coir.*
02:40 🔄 *Peat moss may not be suitable for all hydroponic systems due to its organic nature, which can lead to decomposition and root issues.*
03:51 💧 *Peat moss holds water well but poses the risk of anaerobic zones, emphasizing the need for mixing with other components or using coco coir for better aeration.*
04:47 🌱 *Consider using peat moss as part of a mix rather than standalone, adjusting components based on crop needs and growing techniques for optimal results.*
Made with HARPA AI
Thanks for the notes, happy growing!
Great video, good to know.. thy
Glad to help
THIS NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED./ I WAS USING PEAT IN MY GARDEN YESTERDAY. THAT MESS TOUCHED MY LEGS . FOR OVER THREE HOURS A RAISED RASH BROKE OUT ON MY LEGS AND I THOUGHT I WAS GOING TO ITCH TO DEATH. IT WAS HORRIBLE. DID NOT KNOW YOU COULD BE ALLERGIC TO PEAT MOSS.
people can be allergic to literally anything
Strange, I'm allergic to people typing in all caps.
@@1upPaintingAB me too.
I have a venus fly trap, what do I need to replant it?
I need this answer too
Is it red, brown or black peatmoss?
I have watched a video of using only peat moss for growing pine seedling in a nursery in Italy (which I'm very interested on). Do you think that it is right?
I thought spaghnum grow quickly?
Actually peat moss is broken down sphagnum moss. ;)
True that. I stand corrected! Thanks!
Really?
I used a large grow pouch for some pea pod vines and I've apparently used too well draining mix because the pouch is drying out daily even with lots of water, I'm thinking peat might help if I remix the pouch content and replant the vine ( which is not terribly big yet 😯 any comment appreciated.
Thanks for the info 👍🏽
Is there any benefit to be gained by using peat free compost,other than the striping of the bogs.
Hi Kevin, yes, compost works well for seedlings in hydroponic and aquaponic systems. We use compost to make a potting mix for seedling plugs. It's a bit harder to clean up but it's reusable and conscious. Depends on the resources you have available!
Vb
Kevin Brown make sure the free compost you're using is not sewage compost
Awesome video! As always!!!
Is it turf?
Thx man that was super helpful
Great video. Thank you.
lawns maybe be overrated but i can see that use.
Hello, what happen if i mix both coco and peat together ???
That's what miracle gro moisture control soil is. It works great
Very informative.
Glad it was helpful Christopher!
what is the different between peat free and peat moss?
If you see "peat-free" on labels and packaging, it's usually on a potting mix that uses coco coir instead of peat. Coco coir is similar, but made from cast off coconut husks, which are more renewable.
thank you lovely