Since the 1940s or 1950s peat moss has been a widely - used factor of potting soil and related commercial-grade stain mixes . However , as take down in theGarden Shed articleShould We check Using Peat?,peat bog , which report for 3 % of the earth ’s surface , supply 15 - 30 % of land - based C storage . unluckily , digging up peat moss bring out much of that stack away C into the atmosphere , contribute to clime change .

Many mood - sensitive gardeners would like to convert to peat - free potting soil . However , on the dot what to change to is confusing , and the many different mixes on the market make it indecipherable what the best alternatives are . Let ’s take a look at market choices and Cooperative Extension recommendations to attempt to determine the best options .

Key Functions of Growing Media

There are several potting admixture characteristics that are of import to its succeeder as a growing spiritualist :

Peat moss supports several of these component , admit lighten up soil , allowing aviation and piss entry , and holding moisture without over - impregnate the plant . Its key helplessness is that it lacks necessary nutrient , typically require the improver of other constitutive material and/or fertilizers . Also , it tends to have a miserable pH and may command the addition of lime to deoxidise sour . Certainly , any transposition cloth or mix of materials should perform as well as peat - based products in these areas .

What is available commercially ?

An examination of local monger inventory usher a head - spinning variety of option . Many still offer products that let in some amount of peat . Products admit varying combinations of multiple materials including peat moss , reed - sedge peat ( a darker , more decomposed material from reeds , sedges and grass ) , recycle timberland mathematical product , rice Hull , perlite , vermiculite , coconut coir ( sound out coy - er ) , dirt ball cast , plant food , and limestone ( to adjust pH ) .

Examples , without including brand figure , include :

Obviously , the best substitute for the long - established peat - ground potting intermixture is n’t clear , and in fact , may diverge by intended usance and localization , but therearea number of non - peat products usable for trial .

What do the Cooperative Extension Services urge ?

There are specific recommendations available from multiple Extension Services , but before induce specific , it believably makes sentience to observe the benefits and drawback of the various components already mentioned :

In its publicationNo Peat Potting Soil Options , the University of Minnesota Extension offers several mix recipes using coir . Key coir characteristic include :

The Extension - recommend mix , which are based on a blend of coconut coir and compost , let in :

In each case , additional fertilization is likely needed , and pH should be checked to match plant needs .

Are the mixture re - usable ?

If last year ’s potting soil had issues with disease , it should not be re - used in the garden . If it was essentially weed- and disease - devoid , it is suggestedthat last year ’s soil be   removedfrom lot and mix in 50/50 with a fresh batch of pot premix prior to re - role .

Take - Aways

This brief run - through of possible substitutes for peat - based potting mixes bespeak that there are lots of possibility available , both commercially and abode - made . Compost is a highly - valued element and is include in most options . Coconut coir seems to be the most favour peat substitute , although ground up wood production have some backers as a longer term solution that is less expensive and more sustainablethan coir , which is imported from Asia and Central America .

Because of the variety of potential product and the importance of finding an effective solution , some professionals recommend taking a multi - year feeler , experimenting with dissimilar mixes and a deadening stage - out of peat , to declare oneself the best betting odds of successful modification with minimum disappointment .

In any case , I trust this word helps clarify potential solutions and helps environmentally - creditworthy gardeners make a successful change that plump for our uprise efforts while positively impacting the climate crisis .

SOURCES :

Featured Photo :   Ralph Morini

“ Coconut Coir vs Peat Moss,”Coconut - coir.pdf , Washington State Extension

Coir is sustainable option to peat moss in the garden | OSU Extension ,   Oregon State University lengthiness

Soilless Growing Mediums | okstate.edu , Oklahoma State University Extension

Growing Media ( Potting Soil ) for Containers | umd.edu , University of Maryland Extension

Peat - barren potting mixes – Maryland Grows Blog / umd.edu , University of Maryland Extension

“ No - Peat Potting Soil Options,”University of Minnesota Extension , Hennepin Master gardener

“ COCONUT COIR AS AN choice TO PEAT medium FOR VEGETABLE TRANSPLANT PRODUCTION,”swfrec.ifas.ufl.edu , Southwest Florida Research and Education Center , University of Florida

Why Gardeners Should hold back Using Peat , and What to apply rather – The New York Times ( nytimes.com)(Margaret Roach , Feb. 6 , 2022 )