Alaskan Peat Soil
We began experimenting with soils about twenty-five years ago by using compost, wood chips, ground-up evergreens, and mixtures of organic and mineral soils.
During the research phase for Margaret’s Masters of Landscape Architecture degree, we experimented with mass transplant techniques. In the process of transplanting muskeg we discovered the virtues of the Alaskan native peat soil.
The peat soils that make up the muskeg areas are so life-supporting that we can take damaged and abused plants salvaged from our projects, plant them in peat soil, and in a couple of seasons they are vibrant and lovely again.
We stack the peat for a couple of years, clean out the logs and rocks, and then drop it into place. We plant directly into the peat, add some time-release fertilizer and lime and the plants love it.
Next time you visit the Montana Creek subdivision, notice the yards that are full of thriving rhododendrons and Japanese maples, thanks to this peat soil. While it is not recommended for lawns, for perennials, shrubs and trees it is like gold.
We sell our peat soil by the truckload or in tubs for hand carrying.
