peat moss vs dry dirt

[seldom]

I've observed an interesting phenomenon some years ago when I found myself short on dry peat. As I was at Lowes I first found some bales heavier than others and some(freezing temps) were froze on the bottom side and a short ways up the sides but the majority of the bales were not. In fact when I was forced to buy the bales in that condition I found the upper 3/4 of the bales was dry right down to the frozen bottom. So as the bales are compressed when processed and the peat damp throughout, apparently the moisture precipitates down through the bale until it stops at the bottom. I believe in my opinion it's a testimony and an example as to how moisture behaves with peat compressed or loose.

[ChrisM]

Thanks Steve, using some peat for the first time this year, but haven't had any moisture to see how well it works.

[cmr2]

found that it depends on where the store has the peat ,some store it outside under the canopy ,others in doors ,the one outside seem to have the problems with water ,rain blow in ?, but the dry bales have a while before they hold water ,

[musher]

When I buy my bales way ahead of the season, I punch the plastic wrapping full of holes and then store them in an outbuilding. That way all is dry when I need some.

I've never had a solid block of peat surrounding a trap. It's always a "lid."

[myotee]

Dec 27, 2011 13:10:33 GMT -6 @seldom said:

www.lowes.com/ProductDisplay?partNumber=26986-1803-0082&langId=-1&storeId=10151&productId=3029472&catalogId=10051&cmRelshp=sim&rel=nofollow&cId=PDIO1

I sent the wife (I'm homebound sick as a dog) to Lowe's with the label information from the link you provided. Instead of the PREMIER brand she brought back a 3 cu ft bale of "100% organic sphagnum peat moss".....MAJESTIC EARTH brand. I'm hesitant to open this because it might not be the same stuff as what was in the link.....but maybe it is. Any advice will be appreciated.

[musher]

Same product, different brand.

I buy whatever is least expensive. The only difference I have seen is the amount of twigs left in the sifter after making a set.