Millions of gardeners will be banned from using peat compost under new plans to protect Britain’s bogs. … Environment minister Richard Benyon said the ban would protect rare plants and animals in peatlands and prevent the release of half a million tons of greenhouse gases from disturbed bogs each year.
Keeping this in consideration, is Sunshine peat moss good?
Sunshine® Canadian Sphagnum Peat Moss is nature’s best soil conditioner. It is ideal for turf establishment, adding organic matter to outdoor gardens and plantings, and fortifying potting mixes. Acid-loving plants also grow very well in soils amended with peat moss. It is also OMRI Listed® for organic growing.
Accordingly, what is a good substitute for peat moss?
Peat Moss Alternatives
- Coconut Coir. Coconut coir, also known as coco peat or coir peat, is rapidly gaining popularity and is the best-known alternative to peat moss. …
- Wood-Based Materials. …
- Compost. …
- Pine Needles. …
- Rice Hulls. …
- Leaf Mold. …
- Composted Manure.
What is bad about peat moss?
As a soil amendment, which is what the baled product is mostly sold for, peat moss is also a poor choice. It breaks down too fast, compressing and squeezing air out of the soil, creating an unhealthy condition for plant roots. … The biggest problem with peat moss is that it’s environmentally bankrupt.
What is the difference between peat moss and coco peat?
Peat moss is acidic, with a pH level around 3.3 to 4.0, which is great for acid-loving plants, but could cause harm to plants that are less tolerant of low pH levels. … Coconut fiber, in comparison, has a pH range of 5.2 to 6.8, which is much more acceptable to a much wider range of plants without the need of additives.
What do I use peat moss for?
Gardeners use peat moss mainly as a soil amendment or ingredient in potting soil. It has an acid pH, so it’s ideal for acid loving plants, such as blueberries and camellias. For plants that like a more alkaline soil, compost may be a better choice.
How many square feet will 3.8 cubic feet of peat moss cover?
One 3.8 cubic foot bale of peat moss will provide 1 inch of peat moss over a 90 square-foot area.
How much peat moss should I add to my garden?
How to use peat moss in the vegetable garden
- Apply peat moss in a 2–3-inch layer in your vegetable garden, and incorporate it into the top 12 inches of soil.
- For pots, containers and raised beds, use between 1/3 and 2/3 peat moss mixed with potting soil or compost.
Should I use sphagnum moss or peat moss?
Sphagnum moss has a neutral pH as compared to the lower, more acidic pH (3.0 to 4.0) sphagnum peat moss. Peat moss is a less expensive amendment in potting and garden soils, and it is a great medium for growing acid-loving plants. Peat moss is also high in tannins. Water retention is excellent for both.
Which peat moss is best?
Horticulture grade, also called medium/coarse grade peat moss, is the most popular, widely used grade of peat moss. It is a blended peat from H1-H3 grades and has a fibrous consistency that provides a high degree of water retention and air porosity to help promote plant root development.