Is There an Alternative to Peat Moss?

Many people add peat moss to their garden beds because it helps plants grow. It is also readily available and useful for numerous plants. However, peat moss is a non-renewable resource and can be expensive, so people often look for alternatives to peat moss.

Identification

• Peat moss is a form of sphagnum that helps soil retain water and nutrients. Gardeners use it to help aerate their soil and also retain nutrients that would normally run off during rain.

Types

• Some gardeners use compost and mulch as alternatives to peat moss. Compost is made from kitchen scraps and dead leaves, providing you with an alternative use for what you would normally throw out. You can also make your own mulch, which acts similarly to peat moss, by using yard debris like cut grass and twigs.

Considerations

• Some gardeners also use kitty litter as an alternative to peat moss because some forms clump together when wet. Be careful not to use kitty litter that has artificial ingredients or scents added.