The MGS Forum

Gardening in mediterranean climates => General Cultivation => Topic started by: David Bracey on June 26, 2011, 08:28:23 PM

Title: Peat substitutes
Post by: David Bracey on June 26, 2011, 08:28:23 PM

Can anyone advise on peat substitutes?  I need a substitute with a pH less than 6.5 ie 6.0 or less which is cheap and easily available. Rotted pine leaves springs to mind

David

Title: Re: Peat substitutes
Post by: Fleur Pavlidis on June 27, 2011, 09:31:22 AM

The traditional soil used for acid-lovers in Greece is "chestnut soil" which is gathered from the floor of chestnut groves. You know it's genuine when you grab a spikey nut cover. The gypsies come round every spring and sell it by the bag. Pine needles make good soil eventually if they're kept almost constantly damp - otherwise they'll outlive you.