Question re hydrating peat moss

Kentucky bluegrass, Fescue, Rye and Bent, etc
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Pway
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Question re hydrating peat moss

Post by Pway » August 25th, 2020, 2:50 pm

I remember reading a post (I think from Andy) about hydrating peat moss the first time after using it as a top dress over new seed. I seem to remember the importance of getting it saturated the first watering so it would stay damp and help retain moisture; while failing to do so would actually suck up more moisture from the seed. What is the best practice for watering in peat moss for the first time after top dressing? Thanks ( or maybe I just dreamed this?)

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andy10917
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Re: Question re hydrating peat moss

Post by andy10917 » August 25th, 2020, 3:18 pm

No, it doesn't suck up moisture from the seeds. It is often hydrophobic (repels water) at first. A nice slow, gentle watering the first time gets it out of the way, never to return. It's so simple as to almost not remembered sometimes.

Pway
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Re: Question re hydrating peat moss

Post by Pway » August 25th, 2020, 3:43 pm

andy10917 wrote:
August 25th, 2020, 3:18 pm
No, it doesn't suck up moisture from the seeds. It is often hydrophobic (repels water) at first. A nice slow, gentle watering the first time gets it out of the way, never to return. It's so simple as to almost not remembered sometimes.
Many thanks Andy!

daveNJ
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Re: Question re hydrating peat moss

Post by daveNJ » August 25th, 2020, 9:22 pm

andy10917 wrote:
August 25th, 2020, 3:18 pm
No, it doesn't suck up moisture from the seeds. It is often hydrophobic (repels water) at first. A nice slow, gentle watering the first time gets it out of the way, never to return. It's so simple as to almost not remembered sometimes.
Would a standard rotary sprinkler stream be OK to initially hydrate the peat moss? I've read that misting is the ideal way to get the peat moss hydrated since the water would be so light, but I can't imagine walking around the yard misting all the peat moss to get it wet! :shock:

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andy10917
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Re: Question re hydrating peat moss

Post by andy10917 » August 25th, 2020, 9:40 pm

No idea. i've always done it by misting it - even when the renovation area was 16K sq ft.


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PSU4ME
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Re: Question re hydrating peat moss

Post by PSU4ME » August 26th, 2020, 8:31 pm

I just did a bunch and while a sprinkler can work I think you’re better off hitting it with a little at a time. Misting works best because it’s not too much at once. Otherwise, trying to soak it with a hose and you’ll get some good run off. As stated, once it’s wet, it’s easy to keep it going.

Try some soil moist seed coat too!

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MorpheusPA
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Re: Question re hydrating peat moss

Post by MorpheusPA » August 27th, 2020, 8:00 am

You can also spray a bit of soil conditioner (sodium laureth sulfate) atop the peat moss. Or baby shampoo, or any other shanpoo. Soap helps the water penetrate.

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