Q&A with Frédéric Gagnon

What are the peat moss options for growers?

Nurseries, bedding plant growers, plug or forestry seedling producers and others rely on many different items for production, but peat moss is often at the base, as it has anchored the plants from the beginning. Depending on the operation or owner preference, the choice is usually between either the peace of mind procured by a ready-to-use complete substrate or using straight peat moss and producing their own mix on-site. In both cases, quality of the peat is paramount. Choosing the best option that meets your needs will make your life easier.

What should growers making their own mix look for in peat moss?

For the growers making their own mix by buying straight peat moss, it’s very important to be aware that different peat grade options are available. You must select which one will fit the best at your personal operation. The particles sizes are the first item to consider, because the physical characteristics will give you the drainage required by the crop grown and the best performance, depending on the trays or containers used and the operation’s management.

How can Lambert offer a superior peat moss?

Lambert’s specific way of processing the peat moss from the bog to the final bagged product allows us to distinguish ourselves. We take the extra step of removing a fair amount of the fine particles that reduce the porosity, drainage and oxygen available for the plant’s roots. If you don’t execute that step, those fines end up at the bottom of the container, clogging the excess water evacuation. That makes that zone an unfavorable environment for the roots, so they will not explore and use that area.

The same standard of quality is expected for those growers buying a complete substrate. Those types of mixes have been submitted to strict quality control procedures to assure the customer they’re getting a ‘no worries’ product. It’s also always possible to ask for a custom mix if you have a particular situation at your facility. Growers can discuss options with a member of our team. Lambert’s team can provide technical advice to help pinpoint what should be adjusted to resolve a specific issue you may be experiencing.

Does Lambert offer alternative mixes?

That has become a subject of interest recently. More growers are looking for the incorporation of different elements in the mixes to not only rely on peat moss as the main component. Lambert has been a pioneer in this aspect and has been offering wood fibers for several years - before the actual trend became apparent in the market. As a simple example, take a look at our EPM mixes. That series appeared on the market more than a decade ago. This complete line is offered with various percentages of our exclusive EcoPeat Plus wood fiber, which is processed directly at the Lambert plant to meet the needs of different crops. It’s another reason Lambert has been at the cutting edge of the horticulture world for almost 100 years.

For more: lambertpeatmoss.com