Peat is the cornerstone of premium growing media, with its components, such as water aeration and nutrient buffering, varying remarkably depending on the type, depth, and procedure. Bayton Horticulture Centre, a respected grow media expert, breaks high peat into distinct elements based on the peat profile.
What is Peat?
Peat is partially decayed plant material that accelerates under the water-logged issue for an extended period. Peat is made up of partially decomposed plants, moss, and even animal remains. Bogs are saturated and marsh-like, others have more woody structures. These bogs expand at a glacial pace adding just 1 millimeter of peat each year, so it takes around 1,000 years to build up a meter of peat.
Once harvested, the peat is sliced into thin sods and stacked in pyramid-shaped piles to dry. Over 2 to 3 weeks, these sods harden into dense peat bricks that pack more energy than coal. In Scotland, it’s a long-standing tradition to burn these compacted peat bricks, which can burn intensely hot and sustain a fire for a long time.
Types of High Peat
Peat comes from partially decomposed mosses, vegetation, and even animal matter that accelerate in bogs over centuries.
- Sphagnum Moss Peat
This is the smallest and least decayed form of peat, composed predominantly of various types of sphagnum moss. Light in colour and texture, sphagnum peat can take up to ten times its weight in water. While it offers excellent moisture retention and aeration, it also breaks down faster than other peat types, making it more suitable for short-term applications.
- Coloured Peat (Grey Peat)
This is found among the white and black peat loop; coloured peat often referred to as grey peat is more decomposed than sphagnum moss peat but less so than black peat. It has a darker hue and holds less moisture compared to sphagnum and peat litter, making it a middle-ground option in terms of structure and water retention.
- Peat Litter (Peat Dust)
Sometimes called peat dust, this type is taken from the uppermost layers of the bog. Slightly decomposed and usually light brown, peat litter can retain around eight times its weight in water. However, it absorbs moisture more slowly than sphagnum peat. It comes in various grades fine, medium, or coarse depending on the extraction method used.
- Black Peat
As the oldest and most decomposed variety, black peat also known as non-permafrost peat has a dense, compact structure. It holds minimal water and tends to shrink significantly when dried. Once thoroughly dried, it becomes hard and is traditionally valued in Scotland for its use in smoking whisky, thanks to its rich, earthy aroma.
Conclusion
Understanding the peat profile from sphagnum moss to garden peat is crucial for selecting the right growing media. Bayton Horticulture Centre not only provides an extensive selection but also provides you with the tools and support to create custom mixes that meet your plants’ unique needs. Visit Bayton Horticulture Centre today or discover their online shop and take advantage of expert advice, premium peat-based mixes, and a full lineup of horticultural solutions backed by scientific guidance and years of cultivation experience.
