I've been making Mel's Mix for a few years now, using equal parts compost, peat moss, and vermiculite. Initially, my garden beds became super hydrophobic due to a relatively high amount of peat moss. Recently, as I've been adding more vermiculite to improve the mix, I've realized that most of the compost I get from big box stores contains 20-30% peat moss already. With this in mind, I'm wondering how this impacts the ratios in Mel's Mix. Should I be reducing the amount of peat moss I add, considering the compost already contains a lot? Also, is it really necessary to buy and hydrate peat moss on its own when it seems to be included in the compost? Lastly, is there any important difference between fresh, non-composted peat moss and the kind found in these compost bags? Thanks for your insights!
3 Answers
I actually make my own compost and use coconut coir instead of peat moss, and I've never faced issues with hydrophobic soil. If you're in a dry area, though, it's good to keep an eye on your soil moisture, especially when there are no plants around.
The peat content in your compost shouldn't throw off your ratios as long as you keep track. Generally, you're only supposed to add compost after the first year. If your beds settle, you can add Mel's Mix to fluff them up. It's designed to be low-maintenance in the long run.
You don't need to worry about the peat and vermiculite in your mix after the first growing season. Just add compost each year to keep things healthy. According to Mel's book, the mix is pretty self-sustaining once it's established, so focus on adding compost instead of worrying about the peat ratio every year.