Peat makes an excellent preservative. The modern horticultural practice of using a sterile medium like peat is in order to create a hydroponic environment, that can force-feed plants into rapid production. I've found a few nurseries who grow in-pot organically, and they avoid peat. I don't see large chunks of pine bark in their soil medium, either. Some use rainwater to irrigate, most are wholesale and at least one is open to the public. Transplanting and establishment ease have been outstanding with these trees grown organically with a comost-based medium. Some use pots that are designed to eliminate circling roots. This is a far superior product, that establishes and plants easier, than any tree grown in peat, or in a plastic pot. It's really a leap were speaking of, for a root to make the transition from an extremely acidic, sterile medium to a nearly neutral, live mineal soil. It ain't natural, and creates unnecessary stress on the plant when it needs it least-- during root establishment. But we grow potted plants in peat, anyways. Modern horticularal practices do not serve the grower so well, Most of the potted trees and plants you'll find in a retail nursery, have been force fed to grow lots of pretty foliage, in a poor soil medium, with underdeveloped and potbound roots. I know peat is good at preserving cave people and tubulars. But as a potting medium, it's used becasuse it is thought to be cheap, and that's the bottom line. There are conflicts of interest between the grower and the hulticulturalist who pushes peat as a pot medium. A lot of the carp they teach in hort school (and ag school, and other fields), has a bias towards perceived economic benefits, and can ignore for years, better, sounder science. M This post was edited by Mackel-in-DFW on Fri, Apr 25, 14 at 23:01

Mike, hey, Mike!!! Good to see you, friend. Your ears must be burning- Kristy and I were talking 'bout you yesterday, about how much we miss you. I knew you had a good reason for being gone but sorry to hear the circumstances! Glad the pinkie is going to be okey!! And yes, welcome to the joys of home-ownership- it all falls on our shoulders! LOL! ............... Wait! That's not funny! Well, what a difference a year makes. You have made it your own and it is just beautiful. I love what you've done! You have alot to be thankful for. So do your neighbors! :-) Your puppy sure has grown into a magnificent lady! Waiting for Xena and First Belle to bloom, seeing them has kept thoughts of you close to me! Look forward to seeing more of your gardens! Wow, I can see why Angel's Exotic is special to you. Salmon Perfektion does the same, for me! ~Brenda

Sorry, I forgot to add the picture to go with the link. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sB6HY8r983c

Robbi, nice to hear from you! You have been a busy lady...your quilt is just lovely! Love what you made for your Mom as well. Welcome back...don't be a stranger. v.