Peat vs. Coco Coir:
Canadian Gardening Cheat Sheet
Quick, practical differences — plus a peat‑free potting mix and FAQs.
Short version: Peat is acidic and holds a ton of water, great for blueberries and seed starting. Coco coir is renewable, drains better, and works for most plants. Both are low in nutrients — feed your plants!
Quick Take: Peat Moss vs. Coco Coir
- Canadian Peat Moss: Sustainably farmed, supports local growers, low carbon footprint. Great for acid-loving plants and large-scale mixes. Bonus keeps jobs in Canada
- Coco Coir: Renewable and drains well, ideal for containers and seed blocks—but imported, so consider the carbon cost.
- Pick What Works for you: Both are low in nutrients, so always add compost or fertilizer. Choose the mix that fits your garden, your location and your values.
| Feature | Peat Moss | Coco Coir |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Sphagnum bogs; partially decomposed plant matter. Often Canadian‑sourced. | By‑product of coconut husks; imported (e.g., India, Sri Lanka). |
| Renewability | Slow to form in wild bogs (non‑renewable at human timescales). | Renewable; coconuts harvested yearly. |
| pH | Acidic (≈4.0–5.5). | Near‑neutral (≈5.5–6.8) after buffering. |
| Water retention | Very high; absorbs many times its weight. | High but with better drainage and re‑wetting. |
| Aeration/structure | Can compact over time; mix with perlite/composted bark. | Holds structure longer; resists compaction in containers. |
| Nutrient content | Very low; essentially inert. Fertilize/compost required. | Very low; also needs nutrients added. |
| CEC (nutrient holding) | High — holds added nutrients well. | High — similar benefit once charged. |
| Best use cases | Seed starting; acid‑lovers (blueberries, azaleas, rhodos). | Most vegetables and ornamentals; container mixes; seedling blocks. |
| Caveats | Environmental concerns with wild bog harvesting; compaction. | May contain salts if unwashed; imported shipping footprint. |
| Province | Company | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Quebec (QC) | Premier Tech | Large global supplier; based in Rivière-du-Loup, QC. |
| Quebec (QC) | Berger Peat Moss | Family-owned; exports worldwide; HQ in Saint-Modeste, QC. |
| Quebec (QC) | Lambert Peat Moss | Founded 1928; based in Rivière-Ouelle, QC; wide product line. |
| Quebec (QC) | ASB Greenworld | Operates in QC & NB; consumer and professional products. |
| Ontario (ON) | Sun Gro Horticulture | Canadian operations include ON, MB, QC; strong retail presence. |
| New Brunswick (NB) | Sungro & ASB Greenworld (additional) | Many eastern peatlands in NB; shipped across Canada. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is vermiculite safe to use?
Modern horticultural vermiculite is tested and considered asbestos‑free, but many gardeners prefer perlite, pumice or sand.
Why does my mix dry out and become hydrophobic?
Both peat and coir can repel water when extremely dry. Pre‑moisten thoroughly on day one; add a drop of biodegradable soap if needed.
Can I reuse coco coir?
Yes. Rinse, dry, and re‑charge with compost tea or diluted fertilizer. Many gardeners reuse coir two to three seasons in containers.
What about locally harvested sphagnum moss?
Farmed sphagnum can be more sustainable than wild peat. Mix with coir/perlite to maintain structure and add nutrients.
Soil Additives Explained
Perlite
What it is: A volcanic glass that’s heated until it “pops” like popcorn, creating lightweight, porous granules.
Purpose in soil: Improves aeration and drainage, prevents compaction and helps roots access oxygen.
Water retention: Holds some water, but drains freely — great for container mixes and seed starting.
Nutrients: Basically inert — doesn’t supply nutrients but supports healthy root growth.
Vermiculite
What it is: A naturally occurring mineral that expands when heated.
Purpose in soil: Holds water and some nutrients, making it a good addition for seed starting or mixes that need moisture retention.
Water retention: Excellent — can hold several times its weight in water.
Nutrients: Has some cation exchange capacity (CEC), so it can hold onto nutrients for plants to use.
Note: Modern horticultural vermiculite is asbestos-free, though historically some sources (like Libby, Montana) were contaminated. Many gardeners prefer perlite or pumice to avoid any risks.