Just tossed my last bag of peat moss - here is what changed my mind

I spent around $40 a year on peat moss for my raised beds here in Oregon. Last month I watched a video from a local extension service about how peat harvesting damages bog ecosystems. They said it takes thousands of years to form and we are digging it up faster than it can regrow. So I switched to coconut coir for this season and it works just as well for moisture retention. Has anyone else here stopped using peat moss and tried something different?

3 comments

3 Comments

betty_ward1d ago

Tbh my buddy switched to coir last year and said his tomatoes did way better.

miles_jackson91d ago

Honestly did he start with seeds or transplants in that coir? I've heard mixing it with perlite or vermiculite makes a big difference for drainage. What kind of fertilizer was he running with it?

garcia.miles14h ago

Oh come on, coir's not some magic cure-all. It helps with moisture but you still gotta watch your watering schedule or you'll end up with root rot. Tell your buddy to keep an eye on the drainage holes.