Why is peat moss sold out?
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. And there are archeological reasons to preserve peat bogs.
Why is peat moss so expensive?
Compared to other soil amendments peat moss is an expensive choice for the garden. Peat isn’t a local resource and is generally shipped from peat bogs in Canada, which adds to the cost. Although costlier, peat moss doesn’t break down quickly in the soil, so it doesn’t require frequent replacement.
Is there a shortage of peat moss?
Canadian peat is the primary ingredient in most soilless mixes, both potting and germination mixes. Peat shortages have seldom been more than a 30% deficit, and the short years were offset by surplus years. This year, however, is very different: an extreme shortage is following several lean harvest years.
Is peat moss worth?
One of the most useful roles of peat moss is in seed starting because this material is very sterile. Its antiseptic qualities naturally prevent bacteria and fungi from the seeds. It also gives excellent drainage, good aeration, fine texture, and low fertile, making it very ideal for germination.
What is the best peat moss?
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.
How much peat moss is left in the world?
Are Peatlands Harvested Too Much? There are 400 million hectares of peatland on earth and 86% remains undisturbed (ref 3).
Does peat moss have different grades?
Peat litter is available as fine, normal and coarse. The grade depends on the method used for extraction. The fine grade is extracted horizontally with the peat being cut out layer by layer, then dried and harvested.
Is peat illegal?
Gardeners will be banned from buying peat by May 2024 under a government plan to protect peatlands, but commercial growers may be allowed to continue using it for several more years.
Is peat moss toxic?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that people who have contact with peat moss containing the fungus Sporothrix schenckii have the potential of contracting sporotrichosis. The fungal spores from the moss enter the blood stream through a cut or open would and infect the person.
Is peat good for plants?
Is Peat Soil Good for Plants? Peat soil can be good for some plants. It is typically acidic, it provides good root structure and it holds a lot of water. So, plants that love moisture and don’t mind acidic conditions can grow well in peat soil.
Does peat moss help grow grass?
Peat moss is organic matter that improves the germination rate of grass seed when you incorporate it into your soil. Peat moss holds water and nutrients needed for growth in light sandy soils. Adding organic matter to your lawn before planting grass makes the soil easier to work into a light seeding bed for a new lawn.