A good replacement for peat moss is leaf mold.

• A. Leaf mold
• B. Sand
• C. Vermiculite
• D. Perlite

Answer: (A)

Peat moss provides organic matter that helps a potting mix hold water and stay loose and crumbly. A good replacement should deliver similar moisture retention and a humus-rich texture without the environmental concerns of peat. Leaf mold fits this role well: it’s partially decomposed leaves, a renewable source that boosts organic matter, improves soil structure, and increases the mix’s water-holding capacity. It also tends to be less acidic than peat, making it more versatile for many plants. In contrast, sand adds drainage and weight but little moisture retention; vermiculite and perlite are mineral amendments that mainly improve drainage and aeration and don’t contribute the same organic, humus-building benefits. So leaf mold best mirrors peat moss’s function in a growing mix.