Absorption

• Peat moss is attractive to gardeners in part because of its ability to absorb water. It can hold 10 to 20 times its dry weight in moisture. Gardeners adding peat moss to the soil can reduce the amount of water their plants need.
  
  

Organisms

• Peat moss has the advantage of proving a good growing medium for certain beneficial organisms while inhibiting the growth of fungi that can harm young plants. This makes it an excellent additive for gardeners growing indoor plants from seeds.
  
  

Controversy

• The harvesting of peat moss for horticultural purposes is a controversial topic. Some experts believe the process has harmed peat bogs. Others say that only a small percentage of bogs are harvested and no permanent harm is evident.