I’ve got 3 new topics to talk about today.

First is spahagnum peat moss. Just what is this? Peat moss is used in several ways. Peat moss is used as a filler for pots to increase the volume of the soil. Also the main use is to customize mixes, flower beds, gardens, containers and lawns. The benefits of peat moss are to help to retain water in sandy soils, helps loosen clay soils, adds organic matter to weak soils, promotes strong roots and helps to save water. Peat moss in compressed bales expands when fluffed.  Spahagnum peat moss is a great product to keep in stock in your garden shed. It doesn’t go bad when kept dry.  I like to use it in the tomato bed under each plant.

The second topic is Perlite. Perlite is a potting mix aggregate, hydroponic media.  It looks a lot like the packaging material that comes in boxes that we receive and ship off.  Perlite increases aeration, decreases water holding, lightweight, inert, neutral ph and sterile.  It comes in packages either small or large. Perlite is very lightweight.  

Vermiculite is the last subject. Many growers use vermiculite in their flats to create a micro-environment that will protect the seeds for air-currents and insulate the seeds to provide uniform germination temperatures. The benefits of vermiculite are that it increases water-holding capacity, lightweight, inert , neutral ph and sterile.  

All of these products can be found easily in a good lawn and garden store. Using these products will make a difference in your garden and pots.  

(Mitzi Thomas owns Minden Farm & Garden LLC. Watch for her column on Fridays in Webster Parish Journal. Email Mitzi questions at  mitzithomas40@yahoo.com.)