Peat moss is a dark brown, fibrous material made up of partially decomposed plant matter, primarily sphagnum moss, that accumulates in peat bogs or wetlands over thousands of years under anaerobic (oxygen-poor) conditions

. It is not a living plant but rather the dead, slowly decomposing organic material from mosses, sedges, shrubs, and other wetland vegetation

. Peat moss is commonly harvested from peatlands in places like Canada, Russia, and the northern United States and is widely used as a soil amendment in gardening and landscaping

. Its key characteristics include:

• Water retention: Peat moss has excellent water-holding capacity, helping soil stay moist and reducing the need for frequent watering

• Acidity: It is highly acidic (pH around 3.0–4.0), making it beneficial for acid-loving plants such as azaleas, blueberries, and camellias

• Sterility: Peat moss is sterilized before sale, so it is free from bacteria, fungi, and weed seeds, making it safe for seed starting and sensitive plants

• Nutrient retention: While peat moss itself does not provide nutrients, it holds onto added fertilizers, preventing them from washing away quickly

• Lightweight and aerating: It improves soil texture by making it lighter and more aerated without compacting

Peat moss differs from sphagnum moss, which is the living moss growing on the surface of peat bogs. Peat moss is the dead, decomposed layer beneath the living sphagnum moss

. Despite its benefits for gardening, peat moss is a non-renewable resource that forms very slowly (less than 1 mm per year), and harvesting it releases stored carbon dioxide, raising environmental concerns

. In summary, peat moss is a natural, decomposed organic material from peat bogs used primarily to improve soil moisture retention, acidity, and texture for gardening and landscaping purposes