What is the technical function of peat moss. I noticed that it does not absorb H2O?

Question

Am I adding peat to allow for better drainage, so it cuts the super water retentive capacity of clay?

Is it doing anything else in the meantime?

When I plant something new, I take all of the old soil, add twice as much peat, and a little bit of manure. I add lime if I am told the plant likes it.

I guess it's kind of like an art, like mixing mortar for brick laying.

I dig a whole as wide as I can, and try for twice as deep as the root of the new plant. I fill in with the ammended dirt, as much as needed so the stems of the plant are level with with the ground.

I never "mound' the plant with dirt. I study the slope of the existing soil and I think about where the water will flow for the roots. With that in mind, I place the root ball where I would like to see new growth.

Also, if I know in advance a plant needs great drainage, I fill the bottom of its hole with pea gravel.

Am I over doing anything, Underdoing something? Your comments are always appreciated.

Answer 1

Peat is excellent for holding water, but it takes a bit of work to actually get it wet. If you're using it in pots, don't let it dry out.

Ammending the soil in the planting hole is the subject of much debate. If you're planting trees or shrubs, the general consensus is to avoid it. If you have a nice fertile hole for your tree, the roots won't spread beyond the hole, and the tree will become root bound and unstable. The only time you should really ammend the planting hole is if the soil is absolutely terrible (as in urban situations). If you're planting perennials, a little added compost is fine, but you really don't need to go all out there.

Answer 2

Peat is only one substance used in what should mix a mixture of organic materials for planting. Peat is used for stability and oxygen. The only thing you really have to remember when planting bushes or trees is to first dig a hole twice the size of the root ball ad then fill 2/3's of it in with an organic compound mixture. Foxfarm make the best product readily available at just about any gardening center. Plant the ball with 1/3 of it above the ground elevation to help prevent stem rot or transplant shock while watering and backfill with more of the mix. The plant will naturally do the rest on its own as long as it get watered.

Answer 3

I know what you mean about water not being absorbed into peat.
I plant things, just as you do. With one exception: I fill a 5 gallon bucket half way with warm/hot water, then stir in the peat with a trowel. Let it sit for a bit, til the peat is entirely moist.. Then amend your planting hole with that mixed with dirt/fertilizer, etc.

Once it dries out, it's tough to re-hydrate. I think that using it to amend the soil without soaking it first will actually repel moisture, rather than absorb it! After planting, be sure to thoroughly water several times, until the plant starts to become established.

Good luck!

Answer 4

Adding peat moss to a clay soil will help loosen the soil.

So will leaves, grass & such.

But you are wrong about peat not holding water. It is good for holding water when you add it to loose soil.