Non-renewable resource
It can take upwards of 220 years for a peatland to renew itself naturally, especially after the strip mining methods used to harvest peat. Europe’s peatlands have disappeared at such an alarming rate they are now protected under a Habitats and Species Directive from the European Union. Most of the North American peat moss comes from Canada where there is a debate raging over whether peat moss is a viable option.
Two points of view
The Canadian Sphagnum Peat Moss Association, compromised of 18 peat moss producers and marketers, claims there is still plenty of peat moss to go around and is participating in several restoration projects for peatlands.
However, independent studies done at Michigan State University and the University of Laval point to an ecosystem under stress where both the flora and fauna are being adversely affected. Quebec’s peatlands are especially under stress. The Society of Wetland Scientists has over 60 abstracts discussing the state of North American peatlands.
Alternatives
For the time being, many organic gardeners are erring on the side of caution and giving up peat moss. There are plenty of alternatives that work equally or even better than peat moss at half the price.
Compost is still the easiest and cheapest way to improve your soil and contributes more nutrients than sterilized peat. For mulching, peat is poor because it dries out and blows around. Better choices are cedar, pine needles, bark, cocoa shells, or straw.
Coconuts to the rescue
An excellent alternative to peat moss is coconut coir, the waste-product from coconut shells. This high versatile fibre has many uses in the garden whether as a potting medium, mulch cover or to improve soil.
Researchers found that coconut coir is superior to peat moss, retaining more water, draining better, and breaking down slower. It’s also a renewable resource and has a pH suitable for all plants.
Coir usually comes in the form of bricks or bales and despite coming from Sri Lanka and India has a relatively low carbon footprint because of its special properties. It holds up to ten times it weight in water so the small package you buy is going to expand significantly. One or two packages will probably be all you need.
Brands to look for:
Shelagh McNally is the editor at Green Living Online. She recently tried some coir for mulching her perennial garden.
