I need an alternative to peat moss
trace00969
16 years ago
Featured Answer
Sort by:Oldest
Comments (19)
amany
16 years agolast modified: 9 years agoGrowHappy
16 years agolast modified: 9 years agoRelated Discussions
Alternatives to Spagnum Peat Moss for Water Retention?
Comments (4)i have never used straight peat, although I have used peat-based potting mixes as an ingredient in my 5-1-1. As an alternative, I've substituted Turface, Pumice, and red lava rock (Scoria) as gritty and durable ingredients that are also porous. We get several weeks over 100F during the Summer, and I've never had an appropriately-sized container dry out in a day. The most I've ever watered has been every other day. Granted, I grow a lot of succulents, but I also have a variety of bonsai material (conifers, maples), as well as citrus, peppers, and many houseplants in these varying mixes. Josh...See MoreAlternative to peat moss
Comments (4)I've used coir and paper pulp as substitutes. I didn't like either working with or the finished result of the coir. I won't use it again. The paper pulp was great to work with. I've used two different types, fine shred from our paper shredder and bulky recycled stuff used for small rodent bedding. Each worked well and I'm planning on using them more in the future. If you try paper pulp be sure it's water logged before using it. Soaking it for several days ensures that it's fully hydrated. If your using shredder leftovers soaking it will also help remove the stuff used to give it a smooth sealed surface. I've had a friend try straw, shredded mulch and peanut hulls in her 'tufa. I didn't hear any complaints about any of them. Try tumbleweeds and see what how it goes. Are you planning on chopping them with a mower? Maybe that would help break up the little stickers....See MoreCoco Peat, Coco Coir, Peat Moss...where?
Comments (19)I also have found coco coir to be excellent for seed germination. Coir is going to be superior peat for this for the same reason a paper towel is. It actually allows the seed to stay consistently moist. Peat dries out faster and doesn't have a reliable pH. You also don't have to worry about a bunch of sticks with coco. No nutes necessary for germination. The seed has its own food. Problem is, you have to transplant pretty soon or use liquid fertilizer if you use a medium without nutrients. I make soil blocks with a coco coir/vermicast/sifted compost mix so I don't have to worry about a quick transplant. Coco also won't mold or grow moss and algae on it like peat moss does. At least not until you put nutrients on it. It's just you adding the nutes instead of a pump. There is a very good reason peat isn't used for hydroponics but coco is. Coco is more stable, nearly all brands desalinate as they know the hydro industry is their number 1 customer - so normally no worries concerning salt, and it it's great for aeration because it doesn't break down as fast as peat moss. In fact, I sterilize, desalinate, and reuse the coco for my hydro plants. It lasts at least 3 growing cycles of tomatoes and many more for lettuce (shorter cycles is why). For anyone thinking, "But I don't do hydro," keep in mind that potted plants that require liquid fertilizer is hydro. It's just you adding the nutes instead of a pump. I hold no illusion that coco is more environmentally friendly. I did, because I fell for the media hype. But the reality is otherwise and I now definitely recognize this....See MorePeat Moss alternative?
Comments (9)OK, Angela's right, this could lead to an argument because people have very strong feelings on the environment right now. I'm glad you bring it up because I'm thinking about it alot, as I'm making a bunch of earthboxes for friends for Christmas. Angela's link was awesome in giving information. There were two other considerations for me on this one. I am far closer to Canada than I am to HI, so I have to also consider the fuel it takes to bring this to me. I am not a greenie, but by nature I am conservative (errr...read cheap). The coconut substitute is sold nearby my home for around five times the cost of peat moss. My beds were all set up using peat moss, and SFG suggests that all I have to do yearly is add more compost. Clearly, I cannot use straight compost in containers, right? The peat is supposed to make your beds acidic, btw. The coconut will not. I guess, I'm saying that you may want to also consider that you are only going to do this once. As a standing asset, it doesn't seem so awful. If I start anymore beds next year, I will probably go with straight compost and let it age a bit. Sorry to be all over the place, but I just haven't landed on this one yet....See Moreblondetazz0924
16 years agolast modified: 9 years agotapla (mid-Michigan, USDA z5b-6a)
16 years agolast modified: 9 years agoMentha
16 years agolast modified: 9 years agotrace00969
16 years agolast modified: 9 years agoMentha
16 years agolast modified: 9 years agomilwdave
16 years agolast modified: 9 years agoblondetazz0924
16 years agolast modified: 9 years agotrace00969
16 years agolast modified: 9 years agoMentha
16 years agolast modified: 9 years agotrace00969
16 years agolast modified: 9 years agorjm710
16 years agolast modified: 9 years agogaryfla_gw
16 years agolast modified: 9 years agogreenelbows1
16 years agolast modified: 9 years agomilwdave
16 years agolast modified: 9 years agotommyr_gw Zone 6
16 years agolast modified: 9 years agomocountryboys
15 years agolast modified: 9 years ago
Related Stories
LANDSCAPE DESIGN7 Low-Maintenance Lawn Alternatives
Turf isn't the only ground cover in town. Get a lush no-grass lawn with clover, moss and other easy-care plants
Full StoryLANDSCAPE DESIGNEvoke Mystery and History With Moss in the Garden
Go ahead, lie about age. Moss on garden statues, planters and pavers creates the beautifully deceptive look of time’s passing
Full StoryHOUSEPLANTSBaby Tears Mimics Moss for a Green Accent Indoors
This adaptable spreader thrives in water or soil, making it a terrific addition to containers and living walls
Full StoryMOST POPULARMeet a Lawn Alternative That Works Wonders
Carex can replace turfgrass in any spot, is low maintenance and adjusts easily. Add its good looks and you’ve got a ground cover winner
Full StoryLANDSCAPE DESIGNBoxwood Alternatives Bring the Chelsea Flower Show to You
Don’t let box blight limit your plans to borrow garden design ideas from the renowned British event
Full StoryLAWN ALTERNATIVESStop Fighting the Patchy Lawn!
Here are 3 situations where a garden may be a better idea than more turfgrass
Full StoryEARTH DAYThe Case for Losing the Traditional Lawn
Work less, help the environment and foster connections by just saying no to typical turf
Full StoryBEFORE AND AFTERSSee 6 Yards Transformed by Losing Their Lawns
Wondering whether a turf lawn is the best use of your outdoor space? These homeowners did, and they found creative alternatives
Full StoryLANDSCAPE DESIGNCalifornia Says Goodbye to the Sprawling Ornamental Lawn
New state rules will effectively limit turfgrass to 25 percent of the landscape in most new and renovated yards
Full StoryLANDSCAPE DESIGN15 Great Ideas for a Lawn-Free Yard
End the turf war for good with hardscaping, native grasses and ground covers that save water and are easier to maintain
Full Story
Mentha