Peat substitutes

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David Bracey

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Peat substitutes
« 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
MGS member.

 I have gardened in sub-tropical Florida, maritime UK, continental Europe and the Mediterranean basin, France. Of the 4 I have found that the most difficult climate for gardening is the latter.

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Fleur Pavlidis

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Re: Peat substitutes
« Reply #1 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.
MGS member, Greece. I garden in Attica, Greece and Mt Goulinas (450m) Central Greece