Sphagnum Peat Moss

Sphagnum Peat Moss

Sphagnum peat moss from the South Island: the base ingredient for potting mixes and living soil. It holds water, drains well and has a high cation exchange capacity. Not to be confused with sphagnum moss, the dried live moss used for orchids and hanging baskets.

At a glance

• Type: media, soil mix base
• Use for: the base of potting mixes and living soil; potted plants
• Rate: no fixed rate; it is the base of the mix
• Bulk: 500 L and 1000 L; email store@seaclifforganics.nz for a quote, or see Sphagnum Peat Moss Bulk

What it is

Partly decomposed sphagnum moss dug from South Island peat bogs. It is the same peat we use as the base of Living Soil v2 and Superior Potting Mix.

What it does

• Holds water and drains at the same time: the fibre holds moisture while the structure keeps air in the mix, which is what potted plants need.
• High cation exchange capacity: peat holds calcium, magnesium and potassium against leaching, which is why it can carry a strong mineral charge.
• Low pH. Peat is acid, so lime is added to bring a mix into range, and that lime loads the exchange sites with calcium. This is how a peat based mix gets its calcium.

How to use

• Use as the base of a potting mix or living soil with aeration (pumice or perlite), worm castings and amendments.
• Lime it to bring the pH into range for the crop.
• Peat on its own is too acid for most crops. Lime it (ag lime, dolomite or oyster shell) and check pH before planting. Living soil runs 6.2 to 7.2, target 6.6.
• Dry peat is hard to rewet and sheds water. Wet it before mixing, and a little yucca or quillaja helps water sink in.

Learn more in fifteen seconds

• CEC: how big is your pantry
• Hydrogen holds the seats
• Soil pH, water pH: how to move it

Handling and storage

• Wear a mask to avoid inhaling particles and open the bag in a well ventilated area.
• Wear gloves and eye protection, and wash hands after use.
• Once opened, keep the bag sealed and dry.