In the search for a peat moss alternative, coir, also called coco coir, is the one that is most often discussed. Coir is made from the outer husk of coconuts and is a waste product from the coconut industry. Environmentalists are quick to point out that “since it is a waste product, its use is more environmentally friendly than using peat moss.” How can such common-sense logic be wrong?
The horticulture industry is being blamed for depleting peat reserves and environmentalists are calling for a stop on using peat for growing plants. What are the peat moss alternatives? Is there a suitable substitute?
The horticulture industry would have no problems switching to another product instead of peat. After all, most gardeners are quite aware of the importance of preserving our environment. In this post, I will look at several peat moss alternatives to see if there is a viable option.
There is a lot of talk these days about the environmental impact of using peat and peat moss in horticulture. We are told to stop using it so that we can preserve the peatlands. This sounds like the responsible thing to do, but is this really a problem? Are we running out of peat? Reports seem to indicate that Europe has used up all of its and now Canada is starting to do the same. Is horticulture really responsible for the loss of bogs and wetlands?
If we don’t use peat or peat moss, what alternatives are there? Coir gets mentioned a lot, but is it a suitable substitute? Is it a better choice, environmentally?
Much of the information about peat moss is misunderstood, and it’s time to weed through the myths.
I have seen hundreds of reports about the honeybees dying. If we don’t do something soon we will loose 75% of our food supply. Chemicals are killing them by the millions. But are they really dying? Do we have a catastrophe on our hands or do we have a bunch of fear mongering authors who do not understand science?
From a myth busting point of view this is an interesting story. The truth depends very much on how you ask the question.
The misuse of the word “bees” is leading the general public to reach all kinds of incorrect conclusions.
Headlines about bees are common, but many are incorrect or at least misleading. What do these headlines really mean? Which bees are they talking about?
The Bees are Dying
Save the Bees by Planting Flowers
We Will All Starve If We Don’t Save the Bees
I was in the local hardware store and spotted some hummingbird nectar for sale. Bottles of red stuff and bottles of white stuff. Odd that they would have it in two colors. What is the difference, and is one better than the other?
The label on the bottle was interesting. This was a bottle of Perky-Pet Hummingbird Nectar Concentrate and the label clearly says it is ‘100% High Energy Sucrose’. Is that different from regular sucrose? I did not know that pure sucrose was a liquid! My myth busting antennae went up and I had to have a closer look.
Do you need to buy this product? I have been using a DIY solution for a couple of years and it seems to be working. Maybe I am short changing my hummingbirds? Should I fork out $7 for a better product?
You are at the nursery and have found a nice-looking plant. Is it safe to bring home? Your friend has some extra plants and offers to give you some – should you take them? In both cases, you can get into a lot of trouble by taking the plant home.
This is a list of invasive plants you should never, never, never add to your garden–unless you want them everywhere.
Nurseries should be restricted from selling them to unsuspecting customers.
See also Products You Should Not Buy!