Peat is an essential resource with unequalled characteristics
Peat is an organic deposit made up of partially decomposed vegetal organic matter. It takes shape slowly in peatlands where the accumulation of organic matter overrides the decomposition due to the anoxic conditions caused by water saturation, lack of oxygen and high acidity.
Characteristics of Peat
Peat is the growing media component of choice, valued for its unequalled ability to support healthy plant growth in ornamental horticulture and greenhouse food production. It offers key benefits:
- Water retention – 12-20 times its own weight
- Nutrient retention - Increases soil buffering capacity and prevents the leaching of nutrients found in fertilizers
- Aeration – Natural porosity needed for healthy root development and root penetration
- Chemical properties – Low EC and pH levels needed for plant health and growth
- Stability – Resists compaction, ensuring consistent aeration, water retention, and reliable, uniform performance for plant growth
- Low phytosanitary risks – Minimal risk of harmful bacteria or fungal diseases
Peat’s compatibility with alternative materials
Thanks to its unique physical and chemical properties, Peat is also an ideal base component in blended growing media. Its stable structure, consistent performance, and low pathogen risk make it well-suited to work in combination with other inputs, helping growers fine-tune mixes to meet specific applications such as crop needs. Whether used alone or as part of a blend, Peat provides the essential foundation that supports healthy root systems, uniform growth, and reliable yields.
Discover how Peat supports alternative materials in our science-based fact sheetWhy Canadian Peat?
Essential for Food Security & Horticultural Production
Peat and Peat-based substrate mixes are the preferred growing media for food crops and ornamental plants in both controlled environments and traditional horticulture. Its uniform physical and chemical properties support predictable growth, making it ideal for vegetables, fruits, herbs, mushrooms, flowers, trees, and shrubs. The industry’s rigorous quality standards ensure growers receive a stable, high-performing substrate that integrates seamlessly into automated production systems. In North America, Peat is not extracted for energy-use purposes.
Reliable & Safe Growing Media
A secure supply of high-quality Peat-based substrates is essential for maintaining uninterrupted production in greenhouse and nursery operations. With low phytosanitary risks and strict traceability measures, Peat provides a safe and consistent foundation for plant health, supporting food security and sustainable horticulture.
Exploring Alternative Growing Media Components
While alternatives such as coconut coir, wood fiber, and compost are often used to supplement Peat or in some cases replace it entirely, they come with limitations. These alternatives can vary in their suitability for plant growth, availability, cost, and environmental footprint. Blending these alternatives with Peat helps to balance out their limitations while maximizing the overall benefits for horticulture.
Rising Demand for Growing Media
The demand for Peat is expected to rise significantly, with research from Wageningen University predicting a 200% increase between 2017 and 2050 [4]. This growth is part of a broader trend, as the overall need for all types of growing media is projected to expand by 415% over the same period. Key drivers are linked to social and political developments, including rising consumption of fruits and vegetables, expansion of green infrastructure, such as green walls and urban landscaping, and increased afforestation and reforestation efforts to combat climate change, among others.
Responsible Growth Through Wise Use
With growing demand for Peat, the principle of Wise Use is key: managing Peat responsibly to meet current needs while preserving peatlands' ecosystem functions and services, such as water regulation and carbon storage, for future generations. Over the past 30 years, the Canadian Peat industry has made significant progress in balancing the need for quality growing media with the responsibility to manage peatland ecosystems. Through ongoing investment in science and research, the industry has gained a deeper understanding of peatlands' role in global and local environmental systems and impacts on climate resilience. Wise Use ensures both peatlands and the industry’s environmental footprint are managed sustainably, protecting peatlands' services for future generations.
Peat is the Enabler
By blending Peat with carefully selected alternatives, performance can be optimized while reducing environmental impact and ensuring a continued supply of high-quality growing media. Peat acts as the key enabler, supporting the performance of alternative components. While these alternatives offer valuable benefits, they often require more inputs like water and nutrients, making Peat essential for creating a balanced, efficient growing media mix that supports both productivity and sustainability.
Explore the many uses of Peat
Discover how Peat is ideal for growing in greenhouse production, ornamental horticulture, controlled environment agriculture, and at home in the garden.
-
Greenhouse Production & Controlled Environment Agriculture
Peat is a vital growing media component in both greenhouse production and controlled environment agriculture, offering the consistency and performance that growers depend on. Its unique properties support healthy plant growth and are well-suited to a wide range of crops, whether in high-tech or traditional systems. While alternatives exist, Peat remains a reliable choice for achieving optimal results in diverse agricultural and horticultural applications.
-
Ornamental Horticulture
Peat has become essential in ornamental horticulture, particularly in floriculture, by providing a reliable growing medium for container plants, bedding plants, and perennials. Its unique properties help create the optimal environment for plant growth, promoting healthy roots, vibrant blooms, and strong, consistent plant development. Trusted by growers around the world, Peat continues to be the preferred choice for producing high-quality ornamental plants.
-
Seed Starting & Propagation
Peat moss is widely used for seed propagation due to its excellent water retention, aeration properties, and sterile nature, which help create an optimal environment for germination. By maintaining consistent moisture levels and reducing the risk of soil-borne diseases, Peat-based growing media support strong, healthy seedling development.
-
Mushroom Cultivation
Peat is the most widely used casing material for mushroom cultivation worldwide. Peat is the primary component of mushroom casing, a critical layer applied on top of the growing substrate to support optimal mushroom development. This casing layer helps retain moisture, regulates gas exchange, and provides a suitable environment for the formation of mushroom primordia (pins).
-
Reforestation
Peat supports reforestation by providing an optimal growing medium for tree seedlings in nurseries. It promotes strong root development, ensuring young trees establish well before being transplanted into restoration sites. By enhancing seedling survival rates, Peat-based growing media play a crucial role in successful reforestation.
-
Home Gardening
Peat-based growing media provides home gardeners with an ideal foundation for cultivating healthy, vibrant plants—whether growing fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs or enhancing outdoor spaces for relaxation and creativity. Gardening with Peat supports plant health, reduces stress, and can foster community connections through shared tips and experiences.
-
Soil Amendment
When blended with other materials, Peat enhances their performance by improving moisture retention, aeration, and structure. Its unique properties help create a balanced growing environment, enabling better root development and overall plant health.
-
Golf Course & Sports Turf Management
Peat plays an important role in golf course and sports turf management by improving soil structure, moisture retention, and aeration. When incorporated into turfgrass root zones, Peat helps maintain consistent hydration, supports healthy root development, and enhances nutrient availability, leading to durable, high-performance playing surfaces.
-
Cannabis Cultivation
Peat plays a key role in the cultivation of cannabis. Whether for medicinal use or recreational purposes, Peat supports cannabis cultivation by ensuring precise moisture control and nutrient delivery, essential for producing high-quality plants.
