Peat Moss

 

Sphagnum moss is used in the floral industry to line wire baskets and make wreaths. It is the living moss that grows on top of a sphagnum bog. Sphagnum peat moss is used as a soil conditioner by gardeners. It is the dead material that accumulates in the lower levels of a sphagnum bog. Harvesters of the horticultural peat moss remove the top few inches of the live sphagnum moss before harvesting the peat from the lower levels of the bog.

Horticultural-grade peats come from the decomposed remains of sphagnum moss species that are not a renewable resource. The wetlands (also known as peatlands) where peat is formed are unique ecosystems, so when it is dug up, those ecosystems are disrupted. As peat can take anywhere from a couple of hundred to thousands of years to form, the wetlands are pretty much irreversibly damaged. When peat is burned, it's like burning coal; much of the carbon content in the peat is relased as carbon dioxide.

Another problem with peat moss is that is often treated with wetting agents and most wetting agents are prohibited in organic production.

Bottom Line: We do not recommend peat moss. Instead of peat moss, use compost with coconut coir.