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Is there a difference between peat moss and sphagnum moss?

Jim Brown

Is there a difference between peat moss and sphagnum moss?

Sphagnum moss is a plant that grows on the surface of soil or a swamp. It thrives in New Zealand and other wet climates. Peat moss, on the other hand, is the layer of decaying, water-saturated sphagnum moss that has sunk below the surface. It is the basis of swamp land, forming over thousands of years.

Should I use sphagnum moss or peat moss?

Sphagnum moss has a neutral pH as compared to the lower, more acidic pH (3.0 to 4.0) sphagnum peat moss. Peat moss is a less expensive amendment in potting and garden soils, and it is a great medium for growing acid-loving plants. Peat moss is also high in tannins. Water retention is excellent for both.

Can I mix sphagnum moss with potting soil?

Most gardeners make potting soil by combining perlite or vemiculite with peat or sphagnum moss. Two other organic materials that you could add to your potting mix are leaf mold and compost, which offer a wide spectrum of nutrients.

Where does the sphagnum peat moss come from?

Sphagnum peat moss is composed of accumulated dark brown fibrous biomatter. It comes from a wetland. They are the remains of the dead materials of wild mosses that have been piled up in a peat bog over a thousand years. Peat moss is from the genus Sphagnum.

What does a peat moss plant look like?

What Does Peat Moss Look Like? If you look closely at peat moss (Sphagnum spp.), you can see structures that resemble stems, branches, and leaves of flowering plants. You will find no roots, however, because mosses lack internal systems for fluid transportation.

Where can I buy Sphagnum peat for my Garden?

Look for sphagnum peat moss for sale in your area and compare prices to get the best deal. You can also buy bulk peat moss for large applications, which could give you a discount. Prices for peat moss vary depending on the manufacturer and the size of the bag.

How long does it take for sphagnum moss to grow?

Sphagnum moss grows at a rate of 0.75-4.75 inches (2-12 cm) per year. The lower parts of the plant die and accumulate at the bottom of the bog, gradually forming peat. Annual peat accumulation is about 0.5-1.0 mm. Peat deposits can range from a few inches up to 20 feet (5 cm-6 meters) in depth.

Is there a difference between peat moss and sphagnum moss?

Jim Brown

Is there a difference between peat moss and sphagnum moss?

Sphagnum moss is a plant that grows on the surface of soil or a swamp. It thrives in New Zealand and other wet climates. Peat moss, on the other hand, is the layer of decaying, water-saturated sphagnum moss that has sunk below the surface. It is the basis of swamp land, forming over thousands of years.

What does sphagnum moss do?

Decayed, dried sphagnum moss has the name of peat or peat moss. This is used as a soil conditioner which increases the soil’s capacity to hold water and nutrients by increasing capillary forces and cation exchange capacity – uses that are particularly useful in gardening.

Is milled peat the same as peat moss?

They are the same moss, but the long-fibered is left in its natural form and the milled is moss that has been finely chopped. Peat moss is very acidic and is high in tannins. Now Peat moss is quite different, and to add confusion, it is often labeled as sphagnum peat moss.

Is sphagnum moss a good mulch?

Mulches are very beneficial in gardens. Mosser Lee’s Long-Fibered Sphagnum Moss makes the ideal mulch because it conserves the moisture that provides steady plant growth. This produces strong, robust plants, better blooms and larger, tastier fruits and vegetables.

How long does it take for peat moss to lower pH?

Incorporate the peat moss at least 6 inches deep into the soil. At this level and rate, the acidifying effect of the peat moss lowers pH during the first growing season and lasts about two years. Soak the peat moss for 3-4 days before adding it to your aquarium.

What are the different types of sphagnum moss?

Basically, there are two forms of the sphagnum moss when sold commercially, long-fibered moss and milled moss. They are the same moss, but the long-fibered is left in its natural form and the milled is moss that has been finely chopped.

What kind of Moss do you use for seedlings?

Although usually more expensive to buy, milled sphagnum moss is ground moss that can be used in similar application to sphagnum peat. Like sphagnum peat it is great for starting seeds, it too has the ability to inhibit certain seedling diseases like damping-off.

Why are sphagnum moss important in peat bogs?

When seen up close, they are very beautiful, but they also play an important role in the creation and continuation of peat bogs. They hold water in their spongy forms long after the surrounding soil has dried out, providing essential nutrients and helping to prevent the decay of dead plant material.

What’s the difference between milled and long fibered Moss?

Basically, there are two forms of the sphagnum moss when sold commercially, long-fibered moss and milled moss. They are the same moss, but the long-fibered is left in its natural form and the milled is moss that has been finely chopped. Generally, the pH of sphagnum moss is neutral.

Is there a difference between peat moss and sphagnum moss?

Jim Brown

Is there a difference between peat moss and sphagnum moss?

Sphagnum moss is a plant that grows on the surface of soil or a swamp. It thrives in New Zealand and other wet climates. Peat moss, on the other hand, is the layer of decaying, water-saturated sphagnum moss that has sunk below the surface. It is the basis of swamp land, forming over thousands of years.

Where is sphagnum moss harvested?

There are over 350 species of sphagnum moss, but most of the varieties harvested for sphagnum moss products grow in wetlands of the northern hemisphere – mainly Canada, Michigan, Ireland and Scotland. Commercial sphagnum peat moss is also harvested in New Zealand and Peru.

Can I use sphagnum peat moss for all plants?

Peat Moss Uses Gardeners use peat moss mainly as a soil amendment or ingredient in potting soil. It has an acid pH, so it’s ideal for acid loving plants, such as blueberries and camellias. For plants that like a more alkaline soil, compost may be a better choice. Peat moss alone does not make a good potting medium.

Can you grow plants in just Sphagnum moss?

In fact, the peat moss found at the bottom of bogs can be thousands of years old! Sphagnum moss is collected from still-living moss on the surface of bogs and wetlands. Besides being more cost-effective, the wide range of decayed matter in peat moss makes it a great soil amender for both potted plants and the garden.

What can I use instead of Sphagnum moss?

Alternatives to Sphagnum Moss

  • Coir Dust. Coir is the fibrous, middle layer of the coconut used to make brushes, twine and mattress stuffing.
  • Perlite. This lightweight, white material is a result of heated volcanic rock.
  • Composted Pine Bark.

Where does the name peat moss come from?

Most of the peat moss used in crop production comes from Canada and is composed mainly of mosses from the genus Sphagnum (of which there are 160 species of sphagnum found globally). This is where the name sphagnum peat moss is derived from.

Why is Sphagnum peat moss good for the environment?

Sphagnum peat moss is valued by growers and gardeners because it is virtually free of weeds, insects and diseases. It also has a high water holding capacity with good air space, it is consistent from year to year, and crops thrive in it. Close up of sphagnum moss growing in a bog. Source: Premier Tech.

Where does the term sphagnum moss come from?

The phrase “sphagnum moss” actually refers to a large genus of moss with some 380 members. Most sphagnum moss you would find in your local store is harvested from wetlands or bogs found in the Northern Hemisphere. Whether you’re shopping for sphagnum moss or peat moss, you’ll find that both are dead, dried material from the sphagnum moss plant.

Where can I buy Sphagnum peat for my Garden?

Look for sphagnum peat moss for sale in your area and compare prices to get the best deal. You can also buy bulk peat moss for large applications, which could give you a discount. Prices for peat moss vary depending on the manufacturer and the size of the bag.