Is it safe to use only peat moss?
 

I am only using peat moss for soil. Only doing that b/c I have to keep the plants indoors and didn’t want them to be overwatered! I have killed tons of my plants that way over the years! Do you think it’s safe to do this? Thanks in advance!

Re: Is it safe to use only peat moss?
 

I would think peat moss would be the opposite of well draining, that would be vermiculite......

Re: Is it safe to use only peat moss?
 

You know I would have never thought of that! Sure I just bought a ton of peat moss! Well, hey I’ll give vermiculite a try! Thanks so much! :nanadrink:

Re: Is it safe to use only peat moss?
 

I don't think you will like the vermiculite. It hold more water than the perlite and break down over time. Vermiculite is more like a sponge.


Why not use a low cost potting soil mixed 50%/50% with perlite?? This will give a well draining potting mix with some body to hold a little water while being airy. .... These low cost mixes are usually 25-30% pete; a fine ground bark; and some perlite.



I'm able to buy a nursery mix with a large percentage of course pine bark which works very well for bananas. One cu yd of the bark mix (about 30 bags of potting mix +/-) was only $35.

Re: Is it safe to use only peat moss?
 

Your keeping them inside for winter?
A 50/50 mix would work well.

I use straight peat for getting new suckers started. It actually stops the growth of mold & what not very well.

Re: Is it safe to use only peat moss?
 

I’m glad to know about vermiculite! Yeah you’re right I wouldn’t want it to hold a lot of water! It does sound really interesting about the perlite mix! That’s a lot of soil for $35! Wow! By any chance do you happen to know the name of it? Where to find it? If not I understand! Thanks so much for you reply! :08:

Re: Is it safe to use only peat moss?
 

Yeah I have to keep my plants indoors over winter b/c I live in Northeastern Ohio! It gets too cold to leave them outdoors all year! Really? I am glad to know that it won’t hurt to use peat moss! At least for this season anyway! Relief! Glad to know that stops the mold & such from growing! It may just work out great for me! Fingers crossed! :03:

Re: Is it safe to use only peat moss?
 

I live near the plant that makes the nursery soil-less mixes (2 miles). The product is delivered by the truck load to nurseries. They do sell to local walk in customers small quantities (loader scoop) but you need a truck, trailer or container. They do have 2 outlets in Florida. Check their website to see if the outlets have the mixes in stock and are close to you. Graco Fertilizer Company | Graco Fertilizer Company

Re: Is it safe to use only peat moss?
 

ALways getting pertile and vermiculite mixed up. Went to the store and said, "Where is your vermiculite? No, i ment Perlite." Lol

Re: Is it safe to use only peat moss?
 

:ha::ha: Very funny! Don’t feel so bad. I think I didn’t even know what vermiculite was until I looked it up! Boy am I embarrassed! :nanadrink:

Re: Is it safe to use only peat moss? ]
 

Thanks so much! You know what I was just about ready to tell you how funny that I had heard of this company before! I typed it and everything. Just as I was going to send it I realized that no I haven’t heard of them! I’m thinking of Graco baby car seat company! :ha::ha: I figured someone might get a laugh about that! Anyway, I looked up the company as soon as I saw your reply. I was excited to look and see where they sell this. I found out though that they are only in a couple of southern states. Wouldn’t you know it I’m in Northeastern Ohio! I wonder if my relatives who live in Florida would get it for me! I would then have a real good reason to visit wouldn’t I! Thank you again! :bananas_b

Re: Is it safe to use only peat moss?
 

But someone in Ohio makes spoiless soiless mixes for nurseries there. Stop by a local nursery and ask where they get their soles soiless mix. You also might ask local a local landscaper where he gets his pine bark mulch.

Re: Is it safe to use only peat moss?
 

You’re probably right! I will go and check it out! Thanks for mentioning that! :03:

Re: Is it safe to use only peat moss?
 

Once pure peat moss dries out, it is nearly impossible to wet again without physically mixing water with it. That's why people add things such as pearlite.

Long ago, my mother put a burning cigarette butt in a flower box filled with dried out peat moss. The peat moss developed a smoldering fire that stunk up the neighborhood and pouring water on it wouldn't put it out.

Re: Is it safe to use only peat moss?