Hypertufa ingredients - What is peat moss?!

 
Hiya folks.


I'd like to have a go at making some Hypertufa pots. I've done a bit of
research online on what i need, and the only thing that has stumped me
is "Peat moss".


In my attempt to do a bit more research i've discovered that Sphagnum
moss is sometimes called Peat moss. Also Wikipedia states  "A
distinction is made between sphagnum moss, the live moss growing on top
of a peat bog on one hand, and sphagnum peat moss (North American usage)
or sphagnum peat (British usage) on the other, the latter being the
decaying matter underneath"


Now i'm really confused! A couple of videos that i've seen show people
using what looks to me to be plain peat. But i was under the impression
that the use of peat generally in gardening is frowned apon, so can't
imagine being able to walk into my local garden centre and pick up a big
bag of it!


Any ideas?

Many thanks

Jamie




--
Jamie T

 wrote:

Don't get too wrapped around the titles, it is just for a light weight
filler material that the cement can hold on to.

 On Thu, 10 Feb 2011 23:52:03 +0000, Jamie T


http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-sphagnum-moss.htm

"People often have a difficult time deciphering between sphagnum moss
and sphagnum peat moss. Sphagnum moss is actually quite different than
peat moss and is harvested separately. It is used primarily in among
florists to make items such as baskets, wreaths, and some floral
arrangements. It is the portion of the moss that is alive and can be
found on top of the bog. Alternatively, sphagnum peat moss is used to
condition soil, especially for orchids. It is the dead and is found in
the lower portions of the bog."

 

You don't need to stress about it because you could use sawdust or cocunut
fibre and still get the same result.