Peat is a dark, organic material found in the acid water of bogs and/or wetlands. Peat is formed from a decaying and carbonization process that naturally occurs in vegetation. In the Northern Hemisphere the vegetation responsible for the formation of peat is the sphagnum moss. Indeed, natural deposits of peat are found across the world. While it has a high level of water and ash, in some parts of the world, peat is dried and compressed and is used as a substitute for fuel for cooking and heating.

In the garden, natural and/or commercial peat is used to improve the texture of the soil. Peat is also often used as an ingredient for mulching; that is, peat may be used as a top-dressing which provides nourishment to your plants helps to retain moisture and dissuades the growth of weeds.

Natural peat may be acquired in the market in different shapes and sizes, as long fibers or in a relatively powdered form. However, it is most commonly found in the form of bales. It is important to note that peat is purchased in a dried form; so, before incorporating it as mulch or potting mix one must definitely dampen it considerably so that it may fulfill its function for insulating the soil with enriched moisture.

There is some controversy related to the usage of peat. Firstly, naturally formed peat needs to be harvested, and in doing so there is the danger of usurping other plant and animal life which are dependent on this haven of peat-forming vegetation. In turn, restoring this ecological balance is not an easy feat, as the formation of peat is a very slow process - its growth per year averages a measly millimeter! Secondly, direct contact with peat may increase the risk of contracting a fungal disease; thus, it is imperative that you should wear gloves while using peat. Thirdly, peat may also pose a fire hazard, in that they have the potential to burn almost endlessly.

Considering the possible drawbacks of using peat, it is fortunate that there is a substitute namely in the form of coconut shell fibers. This form of peat is also known as 'cocopeat' and may be acquired in the form of blocks. To effectively use cocopeat' it is important to first soak the block in a gallon of water for a duration of at least 20 minutes. Yet another waste material that may be used as an alternative to traditional peat is the crushed shells of cocoa beans! So, there is a definite solution for ensuring both the good health of our garden and that of the precarious ecological balance that rests on peat bogs.

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Also see:

A Love Affair With Gardening, Charming Camillias, Firescaping, Gardening for the Family, Garden Rodents, Garden Catalogs, General Gardening Tips. Gardens in the Shade, Hot Summer Cool Garden, How to Plant Leeks, Involve Your Children, Outfits for Gardening, Photograph Your Garden, Plant Care Basics, Using Leaves as Compost, What to Avoid Buying Guide, Cheap Garden Ideas, Creating Garden Berms, Garden Fragrances, Garden Lessons, Gardening for The Challenged, Gardening is Great, Gardening Math, Gardening Tools, How to Use Peat, More About Gardening, Love affair with Lilacs, Organic Gardening, Slow Down and Enjoy, Smart Plant Shopping, Tips for Beginners