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Re: Peat and Peat Moss (Was Greetings/Into)


Doreen wrote:


>Colin,
>There is a difference between peat and peat moss.  You are correct in 
>saying that PEAT is not renewable.  However, peat moss is--it's milled 
>spaghum, which is propagated in the upper U.S. and Canada.
>As far as soil amendments, this is a square foot list, not an organic 
>list. I understand your concerns, etc., but many SQFT list members are
>beginning gardeners who need a successful entrance to the hobby.  Mel's 
>book, which is the bible of this list, details rich soil mixes that will 
>give the beginner instant success. Successful gardeners will go on to more 
>sophisicated methods and become more aware of organic concerns.  So, I think 
>it's fair to give both organic and traditional methods when answering 
>questions.  Please detail how you would fill new beds--using materials that 
>are readily available for a beginner.  It would be helpful.
>Doreen Howard


Doreen and Colin,
You also forget that peat moss is one of the only soil amendments that we can 
use down here in Southern California to bring down the pH (i.e. acidify) of our 
alkaline soils. Most vegetables really like soil on the acidic side of 7, and 
most soils are acidic, so much so in fact that you all have to add things like 
wood ashes and other alkali materials to get your soil closer to neutral. But 
here in California I am convinced that if I didn't use peat moss with my compost
and other additions, I would have no tomatoes... just my 2 cents.
Shawn
swestaway@smtplink.coh.org
Claremont, Ca  USDA9b Sunset19
     


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