How to Prevent and Treat Mold on Sphagnum Peat Moss

Mold is a common problem associated with sphagnum peat moss. Mold on sphagnum peat moss can cause problems when trying to grow plants and seedlings. Below are instructions on how deal with mold on sphagnum peat moss.

What Causes Mold on Sphagnum Peat Moss?
Mold on sphagnum peat moss can be caused by moisture, mold spores, and reduced air-flow. When moisture gets inside the packaging or storage container it allows mold spores to reproduce and take over quickly. Fortunately, if the sphagnum peat moss is not seriously infected with mold it can be salvaged.

How to Remove Mold on Sphagnum Peat Moss?
The best way to get rid of mold on sphagnum peat moss is to destroy the affected areas. If you are using small quantities of sphagnum peat moss and they are affected by mold then the best option is to discard all of it and buy more.

If you have a large quantity and can't afford to throw it out, start by pulling out any obviously contaminated areas. Remove the moldy peat moss from the area to prevent contaminating the rest of the peat moss.

Since mold spores spread through out the entire batch of sphagnum peat moss, there is a possibility that it may still produce more mold in the future. If the left over peat moss is not being used for seedlings or disease susceptible plants then you may reuse the sphagnum peat moss once the mold is removed and it has been treated with fungicide.

How to Treat Mold on Sphagnum Peat Moss with Fungicide
After all visible mold has been removed from the sphagnum peat moss, it can be treated if it is not being used for tender plants or for starting seeds.

Start by spreading out the sphagnum peat moss over a large, dry surface such as a tarp, work bench, or other flat surface that is well ventilated and free of excessive moisture.

Once the peat moss is spread out, using a garden fungicide, spray the sphagnum peat moss thoroughly. Toss up the peat moss and spray again to be sure you are getting the underneath.

Allow the treated sphagnum peat moss to dry thoroughly before putting it back in its container or using it for gardening. Allowing it to dry for at least a day is optimal for both the peat moss and future plantings.

Once all the mold has been removed and the sphagnum peat moss has been treated, you can then store it so that it can be used in the future.

How to Store Sphagnum Peat Moss to Prevent Mold
To prevent mold, sphagnum peat moss should always be stored in a dry environment free of any sources of moisture including high-humidity.

Store sphagnum peat moss in containers that will allow the peat moss to get some air but not moisture. Rubbermaid containers with lids work great if the stored in dry locations such as a shed, greenhouse, or barn.

Always be sure to keep the lid on the container of sphagnum peat moss to prevent it getting wet from the rain, sprinklers, watering flowers, and other watering sources. If not, the peat moss will get wet and mold rapidly.