Peat Moss
Peat moss is a moderately priced , acidic medium with a relatively short useful lifespan . Peat moss is comprised of partially decomposed plants . There are three commonly available types . You can find sphagnum ( the most common ), hypnum , and reed or sedge peat mosses .
➤ PROS : Peat moss has a very high capacity to hold moisture ; up to 10 times its own weight . Conversely , it does not hold on to excess water . It drains well too . It is a great medium to use for acid-loving plants such as blueberries and plants in the rhododendron family .
➤ CONS : Its high acidity needs to be countered for plants that do not like a highly acidic environment , so products such as lime often need to be added when it is used . Peat moss can host several soil-borne pathogens , so it needs to be carefully monitored . It is also not environmentally sustainable . The supply of currently available peat moss is finite . Yes , more will be made in time , but it takes centuries to form .
Coco Coir
Coco coir ( or just coir ) is a medium made from the shredded husks of the coconut . It is a relatively inexpensive medium that has a neutral pH . Like peat moss , it does not have an exceedingly long useful life once put into use . It is sold under a variety of trade names and is available loose , in sheets , or in pre-formed bricks or briquettes . Coir will expand by up to six times its original size when fully saturated .
➤ PROS : Like peat moss , coir holds moisture well , yet allows for good drainage of excess water and good root aeration . It is a good medium for rooting and cloning , with claims that the coir dust actually promotes root development in addition to supporting it . Coir is biodegradable , organic , and a fully renewable resource .
➤ CONS : Coir needs to be treated prior to use . It is usually high in salt and chlorine , so coir must be washed and often treated with additional calcium and magnesium . The dust of coir can be a skin and lung irritant to some , and a mask and gloves should be worn when handling dry coir for the first time .
“ No matter the type , growing media needs to provide the home , storage , stability , and the basics for the health and benefits to the plants .”
42 Maximum Yield