Peat Moss alternative?

15 years ago

I've been reading about organic gardening and using environmentally sound practices and am trying to make the best decisions I can based on what I learn.

One concern for me right now is about peat moss. I'm reading that it's non-renewable (takes about 1000 years to produce what one "brick" contains or something like that) and is taken from peat bogs, which support untold numbers of life forms (including some really cool plants!)

I've read a bit about coir dust, which comes from coconuts, but if it's anything like the coir mats that I have used, then I'm not convinced that coir dust is water-retentive like peat moss.

Does anyone have any thoughts on this, any ideas, experience? It could be that I end up using the peat moss so that I can have thriving organic food and even feed others with it. I just want to have a lot of info in front of me in order to make a decision I can live with.

Thanks ahead of time to all!

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Comments (9)

angelady777 (Angela) - Zone 6
15 years ago
Yes, this can be a hugely debated topic, so be prepared. ;-)

I have done a lot of research on it myself. What I found is that you should buy Canadian peat. They very strictly monitor this so that it will always be replenished for the future.

Before making any decisions for yourself, please review the information in the link I've provided below.

~Angela

Here is a link that might be useful: Environmental Concerns & Facts about Peat Moss
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jbest123
15 years ago
These tomatoes and zucchini are growing in 100% homemade compost as the rest of my garden is. There is a better description in my journal below.

John

{{gwi:103474}}

Here is a link that might be useful: Johns Journal
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JaG!! What's gotten into you? I don't think I've ever seen you like this. I think you need a hug. I'm arranging for a polar beargram to be delivered (he'll be right at home anyway) - that's all there is too it. If that doesn't work, I guess I'll have to show up with one of those goofy hats and a red cape to distract you. Hi, Kirk. About my leaving this part out: "The trouble is that these studies test the fibre without giving it a charge of any nutrition. All of the studies in question also acknowledge that adjustments in nutrients and irrigation levels would make a difference." Upthread, I said "Just sayin' it don't make it so." I think that kind of applies to these two statements. I cannot imagine anyone doing a grow test on a soil with a particular component (coir) w/o adding appropriate nutrients & then comparing it to a soil that contained proper nutrition. The second half of the statement (All of the studies in question also acknowledge that adjustments in nutrients and irrigation levels would make a difference). Leaves me to wonder WHAT studies were questioned, and WHO acknowledged the horrible disparity? Didn't happen - it's fluff. ... and the part that says "adjustments in nutrients and irrigation levels would make a difference." should have had a "DUH" alert posted in front of it. See why I didn't feel like I was deceiving anyone by leaving out "crucial testimony? The real reason you're under so much pressure is simply because of the 'absolute' statement you made. When you make them, it makes people just want so badly to challenge them. ;o) You kept your cool under pressure, even if you still haven't proven a case (IMO). That part aside, it's much easier to live with "I did go a little overboard saying it can't be beat but it is very easy to use and gets growth rates comparable to other forms of hydro." than the original statement. That's cool - you should be able to express an opinion anytime you feel like it. It doesn't mean you won't hear alternate opinions, but at least you won't get pounced on. ;o) BTW - I was never angry with you - just full of challenge & curiosity to see if you'd hang or give up & turn poopy. You did fine, as far as I'm concerned - I hope there's no hard feelings. Take care. ;o) Al
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I post this frequently (Remember please, it's a copy/paste from a thread I replied to a while ago): Peat - Renewable or Not? - Does it Matter? Chicken Little would be aghast at your inference!! In my estimation, it doesn't matter much if it's renewable or not, and I refuse to be made to feel guilty about using any form of peat. Here is a reply I often leave when the non-renewable thing comes up: "Sorry, but I'm not buying the non-renewable lament. In Canada alone, there are more than 270 million acres of harvestable peat bogs. If we make the conservative guess that the harvestable portions of these bogs are 10 feet deep, that means there are probably more than 900 billion cu. ft. available for harvest, just in Canada! That doesn't even take into consideration what's available in Europe, Asia, or places like New Zealand where they also mine peat. Canada currently has mining/harvesting operations underway on approximately 40 thousand acres or about .014% (that reads 14 one thousandths of 1 percent)." Check the math - it's accurate and conservative. It's more likely that the next ice age will be upon us and glaciers will have covered what's available before we even use a noticeable percentage. Renewable/non-renewable = moot. Al
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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.
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Hi Though I live in a warm climate I grow many plants in pots because of my poor soil.In fact you'd have to enrich it some to be called "poor" lol Most of my pots are outdoors so exposed to the elements and lately we have only two kinds of weather way to wet or way too dry. I use this mix for general "tropicals" mix and add ingredients depending on how much water the plant requires. I part pine bark fines i part canadian peat i part crushed lava rock. I don't like perlite as it tends to migrate to the surface. Vermiculit because to hold too much water. To this basic you can add clay liter, for more moisture , pumice for less, and chopped coconot husk for more moisture sensitive plants. If in doubt I pot in straight long fibered sphagnum moss the best I can find . Don't get the cheap stuff your buying twigs not sphag. I also layer different media in the pot depending on the size and the rainy season. I always put a layer of either lava stone or strofoam in the bottom depending on how much weight is needed. During the dry season i add some top soil to the base. gary
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carolynp
15 years ago
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.
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laura729
Original Author
15 years ago
Thanks all for the responses. Much to think about! :)

John, gorgeous gardens. I'm all over the compost thing but it takes time and I want to start a fall garden soon. I have compost "cooking" but it isn't ready. Alas.

Carolyn, you make a good point about using the peat once. I'm like you...I haven't "landed" on this subject just yet. And the way you express your thought process is very much up my alley! :) Also, I see in another post that you're about to start vermiculture...me, too! (That's worm composting, right? I get my terms confused at times.) I'm excited about having a herd of wigglers! :) I should check out the composting forum. It's just that I've gotten somewhat attached to this one.
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carolynp
15 years ago
LOL, my friends think I'm crazy already with the gardening (I'm actually thinking about using a sizeable chunk of the front yard, too), so what's a few worms? It'll make an awesome school project for the boys, too. The composting forum is nice for research. There is also a vermiculture forum, just fyi. I can't see me spending time there, as I do here, because this forum is also pretty friendly, too. LOL, I guess I'm with you on that one.
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anniesgranny
15 years ago
I'm definitely going with peat moss (Canadian) in my new beds this year, blended with purchased compost as I don't have my own yet. I'm in Eastern Washington, and our soil is slightly alkaline, so I notice a world of difference when I incorporate peat into the soil every few years.

Granny

Here is a link that might be useful: Annie's Kitchen Garden
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laura729
Original Author
15 years ago
Granny - I was wondering where you garden for the warmer months! I love your posts and your gardens. I would love to visit the PNW extensively...never been there. I used to live in San Francisco but I was in my 20s and couldn't afford anything but the $$$$ rent at the time.

South Carolina has interesting soil...just a stone's throw away, it's sandy, but I have red clay (not the deep red, but it's definitely clay!). We have a geological divide that basically cuts right through SC, and I live mid-state. So, I don't need acidity but I sure need drainage! I was thinking of not using any of the soil, but perhaps I'll do some composting that involves mixing the soil...I dunno. I'm sure I'll make mistakes that experienced gardeners could warned me about, but mistakes make lessons more memorable for me, and experimentation can bring about wonderful discoveries. Ya know? :)
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anniesgranny
15 years ago
Well, laura729, if you come to the PNW between the months of April and October, you have a place to stay! My side of the state is desert-like, but my particular area is irrigated with water from the Columbia River. Our soil is quite sandy, but with abundant water it grows just about anything. We have lovely fruit orchards, vinyards, potato fields, alfalfa, asparagus.....I mean the area where I live, LOL...all I have is a puny little garden!

It has been near or over 100F all week, but right now we are being blessed with a lovely thunderstorm and a good, cooling rain. It's supposed to cool down later in the week, so I'm looking forward to getting those new beds filled with peat & compost. I hope the neighbor's leaves fall from their sycamores before we head south, as I'd also like to dig in some chopped leaves and let everything just rest until spring.

Granny

Here is a link that might be useful: Annie's Kitchen Garden
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amykas
9 years ago
My new Mandevilla plant calls for 2 parts peat moss.
After reading articles about fragility of peat moss, don't want to use it.
I do have some compost.
Wha
Recommendation online is 2parts peat moss, 1 part potting soil and 1 part builder's sand.
What can I use in place of peat moss?
Thanks,
Amy
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Peat Moss alternative?

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angelady777 (Angela) - Zone 6

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Peat Moss alternative?

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