Plain vs. Sphagnum

HighlandPeach 3/27/2012, 5:32 pm

Hi. This is my first raised bed, SF garden and I'd like to get the mix right so I do not have to redo anything. Today when I phoned my local co-op for prices the guy asked me if I wanted regular peat moss or Sphagnum. Shocked

Ugh, duh, "I don't know" I answered. Which should I get? The Sphagnum is a lot more expensive. Thanks!

Oh, btw, he said the difference was that the Sphagnum is from Canada and has a higher mineral content. ??

UnderTheBlackWalnut 3/27/2012, 5:41 pm

I'll let someone who knows more than I answer this one. All I know is that there is a difference between Sphagnum Moss which is the green stringy stuff you often see on top of floral arrangements or baskets harvested from the top of the bog, and Sphagnum PEAT Moss which is the brown earthy stuff used by gardeners harvested from lower down.

As for the difference between sphagnum peat moss and "regular" peat moss...I'm not sure. I usually buy peat in 2 to 3 cu ft compressed bales that look something like this:
http://www.lowes.com/pd_322730-10799-1310503_0__?productId=3319744&Ntt=peat+moss&pl=1¤tURL=%2Fpl__0__s%3FNtt%3Dpeat%2Bmoss&facetInfo=

Keep in mind that if you purchase compressed bales, the peat moss will fluff up to about double the volume of the bale. Smile

**camprn** 3/27/2012, 5:42 pm

to the Forum! Essentially it is the same thing with a different label. Here, in another thread, is information about Peat/Sphagnum moss and humus.
https://squarefoot.forumotion.com/t9757-peat-moss-and-peat-humus <~~~Click

HighlandPeach 3/27/2012, 7:11 pm

Thanks! I am just going to go with the Sphagnum peat moss to be safe. Now to find my fifth type of compost ... I've found Black Hen, Black Kow, Mushroom and "organic composted forest products."

**camprn** 3/27/2012, 7:14 pm

Where are you in GA?

littlejo 3/27/2012, 7:24 pm

Just be sure to get the compressed bale. I had a guy try to sell me a bag, which was already fluffed, for almost the same price.

Jo

searchnk9 3/27/2012, 7:48 pm

If your near Atlanta, Pike's has worm castings.

HighlandPeach 3/27/2012, 7:52 pm

Thanks Jo. CampRN, I'm in extreme North Georgia, in the mountains near Tennessee and North Carolina. Searchnk9, there isn't a Pike's nearby but maybe I'll make the trip to metro Atlanta if I cannot find them closer, thanks.

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Plain vs. Sphagnum

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