FAQ

What is peat?

Peat is organic matter from the top layer of a soil that is made up of the partially decomposed vegetation unique to peatlands or bogs.

Why should I use peat in my garden?

Peat improves soil structure and increases water retention. In fact, peat moss can retain up to 20 times its weight in water.¹

Peat also aerates and improves drainage of heavy clay soils, allows roots to breathe, grow and better absorb nutrients.¹ Furthermore peat is a natural resource free of weeds and pollutants, eliminating the need for pesticides.¹

Where does Jiffy peat come from?

Ninety percent of all peat used in the North American horticulture industry is sourced from Canada, including Jiffy peat. Peat harvesting in Canada is a highly regulated industry - in fact, any companies using Canadian peat must commit to maintaining a sustainable harvesting system.²

The Canadian government is extremely selective about which companies it leases its peatlands to, and the approval process takes approximately 18 months.² Due to our sustainable and respected harvesting methods, Jiffy has leased its bogs for over 20 years.

How does Jiffy harvest its peat?

Peat is carefully collected from bogs very using a vacuum harvester, which collect fibers from about a ¼-inch top layer.⁴ In total, only about a 2- to 3-inch layer of peat may be harvested for a site in one year⁴, which is approximately the width of a credit card. In context, one bog will supply peat for 30-50 years,⁵ and peatland in Canada grows 70 times faster than its present rate of harvest.⁹

Unlike other countries of origin, Canadian peat is not cut into large bricks for harvest nor used for fuel.  

Notably, the vast majority of peatlands in Canada remain untouched – in fact, less than 0.02% of peatlands in Canada are harvested for horticultural purposes.¹⁰

How is Jiffy committed to responsible peat harvesting?

Jiffy is a member of the Canadian Sphagnum Peat Moss Association (CSPMA), a governing body which is advised by internationally recognized research bodies to establish responsible management practices.⁶

As a member the CSPMA, Jiffy adheres to a Preservation and Reclamation Policy that encourages harmonious cohabitation with the communities where they operate and continuous improvement of their practices.⁶

Jiffy is also committed to restoring bogs that have been harvested, contributing to a peatland restoration fund run by the Canadian government. Peatland restoration is carefully done in Canada, under the guidance of experts who ensure that the bog is restored correctly.

Using proven methods, a bog will become fully restored in just 10-15 years.⁸

I am a member of the media working on a story and looking for more information, who can I contact?

Members of the media may reach out to GreenGarden@360pr.plus

Sources

¹ Canadian Sphagnum Peat Moss Association; Characteristics of Horticultural Peat.
² Canadian Sphagnum Peat Moss Association; Acts & Regulations.
³ Greenhouse Grower; The Peat Report, Peat Producers Take a Stand.
⁴ Greenhouse Product News; Harvesting Peat from the Bog to your Operation.
⁵ Canadian Sphagnum Peat Moss Association
⁶ Canadian Sphagnum Peat Moss Association; Certification & Industry Policies.
⁷ Greenhouse Grower; The Peat Report, Breaking Down Bog Restoration
⁸ Canadian Sphagnum Peat Moss Association; Responsible Production.
⁹ Greenhouse Grower; The Peat Report, A Case for Canadian Peat Moss
¹⁰ Greenhouse Grower; The Peat Report, Suppliers Speak Up
¹¹ The Complete Book on Jute & Coir Products (with Cultivation & Processing)
¹² Scientific American, Honeybees and Monoculture: Nothing to Dance About