About the substrates

PEAT SUBSTRATES: WHAT IS WORTH PAYING ATTENTION TO?

For germination and cultivation of plants, not natural, but processed peat with the right pH, a certain amount of fertilisers and other ingredients is used. Such substrates are the most effective growing mediums – they retain moisture well, are fluffy, light, porous, and it is convenient for plants to send forth roots and stems.

Substrates containing black peat have more humic and fulvic acids, thus stimulating plant root development more, and dark peat retains moisture and nutrients better.

For seedlings growing, fine-structured substrates shall be choosed, depending on climatic conditions, technology and the plants grown, it is best to choose a mixture with black and light peat. Light peat is more porous and, when mixed with black peat, provides the best air permeability and water absorption.

Irrigation fluid

The irrigation fluid is added to all substrates so that the water is absorbed into the substrate better and in a shorter time, and as evenly as possible.

The substrates should be well loosened and ventilated before use, and the peat should be sufficiently moist. Moisture is important for activating the vital activity of microorganisms.

We recommend using peat substrates for sowing within 3 months of the date of manufacture, stored in a dry and sun-protected place. If the substrates have been stored in inappropriate conditions and for longer than recommended, we recommend using liquid NPK fertilizer before planting. We recommend using other peat substrates no later than 6 months from the date of manufacture.

At temperatures below zero, the manufactured product may freeze (although in the production facilities, at least +17C temperature is kept, the manufactured product is stored in unheated rooms), and in case you receive frozen products, you should store them in warm rooms until the substrate reaches the right temperature for the plants you are planting.

WHAT SHOULD YOU DO IF YOU NOTICE WHITE OR YELLOW MOULD?

If you notice white or yellow mould when you open the package, do not be afraid, it is Trichoderma or Peziza ostracoderma, it is a fungus of saprophytic origin that is harmless to humans and plants. These are natural microorganisms that are found in almost all soils.

Ventilate the substrate well and mix it, the mould will disappear. Sterilizing or using fungicides is pointless because the mold itself is harmless and there is no fungicide specifically designed to destroy it. To prevent the emerging of mould, adjust the humidity of the substrate surface and ventilate the greenhouse well.

Peat substrates and their composition should remain unchanged – it is not recommended to mix them with garden soil or compost, as this can lead to the formation of harmful substances and cause diseases. It is recommended to mix peat with sterile additives (ignited sand, perlite, clay, zeolite) – depending on the additive chosen, the mixture will become more permeable, absorb moisture better, have better aeration, and retain nutrients better.

Weeds

In the peatlands and surrounding areas of Rėkyva JSC, weed control is carried out mechanically. In order to prevent the substrate from being contaminated with weeds, preventive measures must also be taken in places where the substrate will be used.

Wood residues

In peatlands, stumps and natural wood residues are collected mechanically, additional sieves are used during sieving to avoid contamination as much as possible, but it should be noted that 100% of small wood sticks (no larger than the declared fraction) cannot be avoided, such impurities are natural and may be found in the final product.