Texas Gardening: For all you composters........, 0 by morganc

morganc wrote:
Peat Moss rocks in saving on water and acidifying the soil.......but here are some more reasons.
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Save Water.
Peat retains up to 20 times its weight in moisture, and releases water slowly as plants need it.

Aerate Heavy, Clay Soil.
Peat moss allows for proper root growth by loosening and aerating soils.

Bind Sandy Soil.
By adding body to sandy soil, peat helps it retain moisture and nutrients.

Reduce Leaching.
Peat moss reduces leaching of nutrients in or added to the soil, releasing them over time. This will save on fertilizer.

Protect Soil.
Peat moss protects soil from hardening and adds organic material.

Make Better Compost.
Peat moss speeds the composting process, reduces odours and controls air and water in the compost pile.

Peat moss decomposes slowly over several years compared to compost which typically decomposes within one year. It has a reliable pH (3.4 to 4.8); is environmentally friendly and free of insects, weeds, seeds, salts and chemicals, and represents good value (bale compression means you get approximately two bales in one!). It's the ideal growing medium for:

Vegetables and Flowers
Lawns and Lawn Repairs
Transplanting Trees and Shrubs
Composting
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I got that from a web site obviously, but we use it a lot. We make mounds of it and plant our Azaleas right in it. They love it.

I hope I don't sound like a sales rep for Peat Moss, but we have had to learn fast what works here in this alkaline Hill Country soil. Peat Moss works, so we use it.