Fruit and Vegetable
Substrates
generative growth
Leafy plants like lettuce, spinach, kale, basil, parsley, and cabbage require continuous vegetative growth rather than flowering. Their substrates must provide a steady supply of nitrogen to support leaf development while maintaining the right balance of moisture retention and aeration to sustain healthy growth. Excess phosphorus or potassium can disrupt this balance, triggering premature bolting, which reduces yield.
- Require continuous vegetative growth rather than flowering.
- Thrive with high nitrogen availability to support leaf development.
- Need moisture-retentive yet well-aerated substrates
- Excess phosphorus or potassium can trigger premature flowering
Plants that transition from vegetative to reproductive growth, such as tomatoes, peppers, strawberries, and melons, require a shift in nutrient composition. While nitrogen remains essential, an excessive supply can lead to excessive foliage at the expense of fruit production. Higher levels of potassium (K) and phosphorus (P) are needed to support flowering and fruiting, while the substrate’s water retention must be carefully controlled to prevent issues like fruit cracking or rot.
- Nutrient shift from leaves to fruit.
- Controlled nitrogen to limit excess foliage.
- High K and P for flowering and fruiting.
- Balanced water retention to prevent cracking or rot.
Leafy greens or fruiting plants.
Different growth, different mix
Nutrient balance, water retention, aeration, and structure all
impact growth and yield. Whether you’re growing nutrient
-hungry leafy greens or high-energy fruiting plants, the right
substrate makes all the difference.
Peatman-selected substrates are mixed with precision, balancing water retention, aeration, and stability to meet the needs of your seedlings at every stage. We are agronomists, and we know everything-peat.
