As summer arrives, garden and balcony plants face increasing stress. Prolonged heat, intense sunlight, and rapidly drying soil can challenge even experienced gardeners. In these conditions, it's not just about watering—the quality of the potting soil is just as important. This is where peat-based soil plays a key role, helping to retain moisture and support healthy root development.

Why Is Peat So Beneficial in Potting Mixes?

Peat—especially sphagnum peat moss—is a natural, slowly decomposing organic material widely used in horticulture. One of its most valuable traits is its exceptional water retention capacity: it can absorb several times its weight in water and gradually release it to the plant roots.

This becomes crucial in summer when:

• surface watering evaporates quickly,

• plants are more prone to dehydration,

• root zones can overheat.

Additionally, peat has a light, airy structure, which improves soil aeration, ensuring roots receive enough oxygen and remain strong, even in extreme heat.

What Types of Plants Benefit from Peat-Based Soil?

Peat-based soil mixes are excellent for:

• geraniums, petunias, and other balcony plants,

• potted flowers that dry out faster in enclosed containers,

• plants that thrive in nutrient-rich yet well-ventilated soil.

No surprise that both Sunin Geranium & Balcony Soil and Dolce Vital Universal Potting Mix are peat-based blends—specially designed to meet the demands of hot summer months.

Sustainability Matters

While peat is a natural material, responsible gardeners should choose soil mixes that combine peat with compost or other organic materials. This supports healthy soil biology while still offering plants the structure and moisture retention they need.

If you want your garden or balcony to remain vibrant through the summer heat, don't just focus on watering—soil quality is key.