 
| Above are milled Sphagnum Moss (left) and shredded Sphagnum Peat Moss (right). We refer here to the shredded Peat on the right. |
THE SCOOP ON SPHAGNUM PEAT MOSS Many people, including some of our customers, are confused about what Sphagnum Peat Moss is, what it does, and how it works. With this week’s tip, we hope to enlighten you! What it is: Sphagnum Peat Moss is partially decomposed sphagnum moss. It is a natural, organic soil conditioner that regulates moisture and air around plant roots for ideal growing conditions. Sphagnum’s large cell structure enables it to absorb air and water like a sponge. What it does: Controls Nutrient Release - Although Sphagnum Peat Moss does not contain nutrients, it absorbs nutrients added to or present in the soil and releases them gradually and safely, as the plants require.
Reduces Leaching – Leaching is the process by which nutrients in or added to the soil are washed out of reach of the plant roots. Peat Moss reduces leaching by its controlled absorption and release of the soil's nutrients. This saves valuable nutrients and minimizes the need for chemical fertilizers.
Saves Water - Sphagnum retains up to 20 times its weight in moisture, releasing it slowly as the plants require, so you can water less often.
Aerates Heavy, Clay Soil – Peat Moss allows for proper root growth by loosening and aerating heavy soils.
Binds Sandy Soil – Peat Moss adds body to sandy soils, which helps them retain moisture and nutrients.
Protects Soil - Peat Moss protects soil from hardening and adds organic material
Makes Better Compost – Adding Peat Moss to compost speeds the composting process, reduces odors and controls air and water in the compost pile. Ordinary compost has a normal useful life of one year while compost containing Peat Moss decomposes slowly and has a useful life of several years.
Good Value for your money! Sphagnum Peat Moss has a reliable pH (3.4 to 4.8), is environmentally friendly and free of insects, weeds, seeds, salts and chemicals. Peat is the ideal soil amendment for vegetables, flowers, houseplants and shrubs. It is a great supplement for establishing lawns, for lawn repair and for transplanting of trees, and an excellent medium for seed starting and taking cutting transplants. Inexpensive and readily available, Sphagnum Peat Moss represents good value for your money.  There you have it! Scoop some up!
See you next week!
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