The sphagnum peat moss below is harrowed and turned for the sun and wind to dry. A vacuum harvester is used to collect the peat moss, after which it is transported to the factory for processing. Sphagnum peat moss is harvested in Canada between the months of May and mid-September.
How do you harvest peat moss?
Harvest takes place when bogs are not frozen, usually May through September. Milling machines are used to loosen only the top inch or two of peat; this keeps the underlying bog intact so it is not able to erode away. The top layer is allowed to dry in the sun for a few days.
Is peat moss sustainably harvested?
Although peat moss can be found in potting soils in nearly every gardening center in the world, harvesting peat moss is not a sustainable practice. It takes thousands of years for peat moss to develop, and harvesting it requires digging up bogs, which destroys the potential for regeneration of the swamp.
Where can I harvest sphagnum moss?
Wisconsin is the only state in the U.S. to commercially harvest sphagnum moss, but despite its role as a major resource, it’s not well known, and has even been called Wisconsin’s “invisible industry.”
What is peat harvesting?
Traditional peat harvesting involves a farmer or laborer manually cutting thick strips of peat with a large, sharp hoe. Areas of harvested peatlands are called cutaway bogs for this reason. (Today, industrial peat harvesting involves huge tractors that scrape peat from the surface of bogs.
Is sphagnum peat moss sustainable?
Peat moss is not a sustainable option for gardening on any level. Sphagnum moss, the main species of a bog ecosystem, and other plant materials don’t decompose in bogs. Instead they build up and compact to form what we know as peat moss.
Is sphagnum peat moss bad for the environment?
Peatlands store a third of the world’s soil carbon, and their harvesting and use releases carbon dioxide, the major greenhouse gas driving climate change. The biggest environmental risk from peatlands is if they catch fire, which happened spectacularly in 2015 in Indonesia on land cleared for plantations.
How to use peat moss wisely?
How to Use Peat Moss in Your Garden: 6 Tips Start Seeds with It. One of the best uses for peat moss is as a seed starting mix. Amend the Soil with Peat Moss. A second use for peat moss in the garden is as a soil amendment. Use Peat Moss in Vegetable Gardens. Add Peat Moss to Compost Piles. Use It When You Transplant Plants. Add It to the Lawn.
Do you recommend peat moss to improve soil?
Benefits of Adding Peat Moss to the Soil Excellent for increasing water retention in soil and it can hold up to 20 times its weight in water. Good for holding onto nutrients in the soil. Good source of organic matter, which will slowly degrade over a year or two to feed your soil. It improves soil structure, promotes good drainage, and prevents compaction.
How do I use peat moss on my lawn?
Scatter the bag of grass seed over the entire surface of the lawn area. Shovel the remaining peat moss from the bag on top of the scattered grass seed. Water the lawn area liberally with a water hose that has a spray nozzle attachment. Administer approximately 10 – 15 gallons worth of water over the entire surface of the lawn area.
Is peat moss good for grass?
Peat moss is organic matter that improves the germination rate of grass seed when you incorporate it into your soil. The structure of peat moss adds aeration to the soil, allowing good airflow for seed germination.
