Another reason peat moss is so good for growing seeds is that it created a great soil texture that is perfect for supporting new roots. For Sandy Soil. Peat moss is organic matter that contains decomposed plants--often sphagnum moss. Another essential step in amending soil “clay soils” is thoroughly (uniformly) mixing the amendments with the existing soil to a depth of about 12 inches. Sand is often recommended to lighten clay soil. It also breaks down slowly, whereas compost and manure do not. Peat moss is hard to moisten because it floats. Clay soil can be transformed in a loose, easy to work garden soil with time, patience, and persistence. Amending clay soil with a generous amount of nutrient-rich organic material (about one part organic material per one part soil) will greatly improve drainage while maintaining moisture in your garden. Sand and peat moss: good amendments for clay soil? Explore. I have heavy clay soil and I found that peat moss was cheaper but I knew that compose was better. Read more about working with peat soil at blooms4all.com A bog is a type of wetland. One bag peat moss to 2-3 bags compose with 1/2 bag of steer manure for good measure. I'm amending my garden soil this spring with 1.5" of peat moss. Peat moss would do much to improve any clay soil. Peat will also loosen heavy clay soils, but you need to be careful it doesn’t make the soil too soggy. This is a large container that is probably 25 gallons. Amending Clay Soil With Peat Moss. How To Use Peat Moss In The Garden Gardener S Path. Loam soils have the mixture of different size soil particles. Peat: (water retention) Peat, particularly Sphagnum peat, is a lightweight spongy material that’s great for making sandy soils more water absorbent. Sandy soils have large soil particles and feel gritty. I'm wondering if I need to add extra fertilizer to offset any lost nitrogen. Peat moss, on the other hand, has a very low pH and also lowers soil pH significantly. Clay that is wet is much easier compacted, making the amending a lot more difficult. Over time, rain, worms and other natural actions will wash the compost into the plant’s roots. Now that you know the basics for amending soil, it’s a good idea to read up on your specific issue in more detail. It lightens clay soil, providing aeration, and adds mass to sandy soil, helping prevent the leaching of nutrients. Article from thrivingyard.com. It will open up the structure and help to hold on to moisture which will make a difference in a drought period. The peat moss is high in acidity but the compose should even it out. If you do the math that comes to one of every 6,000 acres of peat moss is harvested each year. Wait for a dry spell to start amending the clay soil. Amending soil with peat moss helps keep the soil moist and release moisture when the plant needs it. Learn this technique in five easy steps. Peat moss is great at retaining moisture. The best way to improve soil texture is by adding organic material, such as compost or peat moss. Good organic amendments for garden soils include wood by-products such as sawdust and bark mulch, peat moss, rotted manure, grass or wheat straw and compost. So moisten it. ... Peat moss Technically called sphagnum, peat moss is harvested from peat bogs, where woody plant materials have decayed over many years. . 1 Your soil test or extension agent can help you determine the right amount of organic matter for your soil. Clay soils have small soil particles and feel sticky. Soil for Raised Garden Beds. Adding peat moss … It will also help to retain nutrients in the soil. This seems a practical suggestion: after all, clay is the finest-textured soil and sand the coarsest, so mixing the two should result in just the right blend. For sandy soils, amending with peat moss will give your soil better water and nutrient retention. 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