Sphagnum peat is an ideal growing medium because it has:
- a homogenous composition
- high structural stability
- high water and air capacity
- low pH (3.5-4.5) which is easily adjustable
- low salt content
- low nutrient status which is easily adjustable
- no pathogens, insect pests
- free from weed seeds.
Peat moss makes your compost more effective because peat and compost do two different things. Peat moss restructures the soil, whereas compost provides nutrients. By blending the two you can reduce compost’s tendency to compact the soil, and thus allow more water, air and nutrients to reach plant roots. In addition, the peat moss and compost combination helps retain moisture in garden beds, allowing gardeners to water less frequently. Peat also extends the life of compost in soil by four to five times.
this was pulled from a horticulteral teaching plan hope you learned somthing