PEAT 
NATURE'S SOIL BUILDER 
Peat is the partly decomposed and more or less disintegrated remnant 
of organic matter produced from the decomposition of vegetation 
covered or saturated with water. It is a fibrous, moisture-absorbing soil, 
acid in reaction and rich in carbon content. 
Here in Central Florida where all our soils are to a great extent sandy, 
it is recommended that peat be used liberally in any planting, since it is 
of great value from several standpoints: 
First, peat will absorb several times its own weight in water. Thus 
in our sandy soil it is of exceptional value since it holds moisture around 
the root systems until the plant can pick it up. 
Second, it aids also in retaining the fertilizer applied, until it may be 
utilized by the plant. In sandy soils, the fertilizer will leach through the 
ground around the roots very rapidly and only a very small percentage 
will be picked up by the roots before it is gone. 
Third, peat is decidedly helpful in growing most plants because it 
provides the acidity that they prefer. Azaleas, camellias, and gardenias 
absolutely demand acid soil. Our soil in Central Florida is alkaline by 
nature, and it is imperative to counteract the alkalinity by using peat. 
Fourth, peat, being primarily organic, furnishes food for plants, which 
is absorbed and utilized in growth. 
Fifth, peat is an ideal environment for microscopic organisms, and 
supplies some of the helpful bacteria which aid in plant growth. 
Sixth, our peat bog has been tested by the Florida Geological Board of 
Survey and has been found high in quality and comparable to the peat 
formerly imported from abroad. 
HOW TO USE PEAT 
The superior grade of peat that we now offer to the home gardener has 
been shredded instead of ground. This leaves the fine, fibrous texture 
formerly available only in imported peat. It is an excellent soil builder 
and should be added when planting shrubs, trees, vines, palms, annuals, 
and perennials. It is absolutely required for camellias, azaleas, and 
gardenias. 
In making lawns, it has been found that the addition of several inches 
of peat before planting will pay for itself by hastening the growth of the 
lawn and making fewer weedings necessary. The following scale will be 
helpful in determining the quantity needed: 
1 cu. yd. covers 648 sq. ft. 4% in. deep 
1 cu. yd. covers 324 sq. ft. 1 in. deep 
1 cu. yd. covers 162 sq. ft. 2 in. deep 
1 cu. yd. covers 81 sq. ft. 3 in. deep 
When planting trees, shrubs, etc., the shredded peat should be mixed 
with the top soil for filling in around the plant roots or ball at the rate of 
half peat and half soil. 
When potting or repotting plants, it may be used 50-50 with top soil, 
or 50 per cent peat with 25 per cent top soil and 25 per cent leaf-mold 
(well-rotted leaves). 
Page 34 
DO'S and DON'TS 
For Planting Nursery Stock 
URSERY plants and trees are grown in two different 
N ways: in the open ground or in pots, cans, tubs, or 
boxes. The latter are easily handled; if grown in the 
open ground, they are taken up either bare rooted or with 
earth held around the roots. Then they are called balled and 
burlapped (B&B). 
Bare-rooted plants are moved only in the dormant season, 
but plants grown in containers may be moved at any time of 
the year. Balled and burlapped plants may be moved at any 
time except during July, August, and September. 
Below are some planting suggestions that may be helpful: 
DO 
1. Plant the shrub or tree just as soon as possible after its arrival. 
2. Keep the plant in a cool, shady place until planted. 
. Keep well watered until planting is done. 
3 
4. Dig hole for the plant about three times as wide as the ball and twice 
its depth. 
5. Prepare the soil before planting, mixing 50 per cent peat with the 
best top soil removed from the hole. 
6. Leave the burlap fastened around the ball, if the plant is B&B. If 
the plant is in a pot, turn the pot on the side and tap it lightly until 
the plant slips out. If in a can, cut with an opener down opposite 
sides and lift the plant out with roots intact. 
“I 
Be sure to pack soil firmly around the plant, thus preventing air 
pockets. Watering the plant liberally will help in doing this. 
8. When planted, mulch with oak leaves or pine straw, to help hold 
moisture. 
9. Keep watered well until plant is well established. 
10. Fertilize your plants regularly and keep them in good condition, 
spraying them as needed. 
DON'T 
1. Leave the plant in the sun until you are ready to plant it. 
2. Forget to keep the plant watered and in good condition until 
planted. 
3. Just dig a hole the size of the ball, and set it in. 
4. Use just the coarse sandy top soil in planting. 
5. Use all peat in the hole around the plant. 
6. Remove the burlap from the plant before planting. 
. Set the plant any deeper than it grew in the nursery row. This may 
be determined by the “earth collar” mark. On balled plants, the 
top of the ball should be at the ground level. 
8. Leave any air pockets around the plant. After packing soil thor- 
. oughly around the plant, pour on water, and as it sinks into the 
earth, it will pack the soil in all the corners around the plant. 
9. Forget to water the plant regularly. A newly transplanted plant 
needs more water and will need to have the foliage sprinkled to keep 
it from drying out. 
10. Expect a plant to grow and thrive if you neglect and starve it. 
Keep your plants in good condition by fertilizing. 
BACKFILL EAN 
50% Tops o/s/ ~-— Kaan) 
50% Pear Rules 
