Peat moss?

rob62 2/16/2014, 11:15 pm

Hi all, just a newbe question. Can I use coconut fibre in place of peat moss? Very Happy

**sanderson** 2/17/2014, 12:35 am

Short answer, yes. Type in Coir in the Search box in the upper left. There are a lot of topics about coir.

Edit: I just realized you are from Australia and I think coir is used quite a bit down there and in other places where it would be very expensive to import peat moss. There's raw coir with. I think, "salts." And then there's treated coir, which I think is soaked to remove most of the "salts." Just read up on it before using it.

**walshevak** 2/17/2014, 5:32 am

$glad you\'re here$

You will love squarefoot gardening method. And when you can, be sure to post pictures. We love pictures.

Kay

rob62 2/18/2014, 7:15 am

Thanks for the advice, and yes I will post photos in the future. Very Happy

**camprn** 2/18/2014, 11:35 am

Coir may be used as a substitute for sphagnum peat, but is should not be used in the same proportions and should be used with caution as the following research article proves.

http://cpl.usu.edu/files/publications/factsheet/pub__9468201.pdf

**sanderson** 2/18/2014, 1:42 pm

Camp, That was a good study. Thanks for posting it.

I wonder if they had added non-fat powdered milk if it would had helped the calcium uptake problem. Like milk and epson salts helps for BER. Of course, homemade compost would have helped but this was a study of pure product (if I read it correctly). First cup of coffee reading

**camprn** 2/18/2014, 2:11 pm

sanderson wrote:Camp, That was a good study. Thanks for posting it.

I wonder if they had added non-fat powdered milk if it would had helped the calcium uptake problem.

Calcium nitrate is the soluble form of calcium that plants need. I know that limestone and eggshell and other things provide the calcium nitrate but I am not sure that powdered milk provides this form. I need to do more research.
http://forums2.gardenweb.com/forums/load/organic/msg1109084220125.html

rob62 2/19/2014, 7:22 am

Thanks camp, lots to study, might just add dolomite lime as a precaution Very Happy

!

**camprn** 2/19/2014, 10:53 am

rob62 wrote:Thanks camp, lots to study, might just add dolomite lime as a precaution !

OK, but be aware it may take several months for the dolomite to convert to the usable Ca.

rob62 2/21/2014, 2:28 am

Thanks camp, I will keep an eye on it and hold off planting for a couple of months. Very Happy

**sanderson** 2/21/2014, 2:38 am

Rambo, where are you when we need you! Maybe you can help Rob so he doesn't need to add dolomite!

Check out his topic "My Table Top Project Down Under" in the Search Box. Rambo found some good sources for Mel's Mix and his garden flourished!

Here's the link:

https://squarefoot.forumotion.com/t16637-my-table-top-project-down-under?highlight=My+table+top

rob62 2/21/2014, 8:53 am

Cheers sanderson, just looked the posting for rambo up. Thanks for the heads up! Very Happy

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