Urban Organics is a family owned Ohio business which produces Sweet Peet.
We often get asked many different questions about Sweet Peet and how to use it. Below are some of our most frequently asked questions…

Q. What are the benefits of mulching?
A. There are few reasons why we should mulch our gardens (flower and vegetable alike). For starters, mulch suppresses weeds and unwanted plant growth. When spread thick enough (2 ½ -3 inches deep) mulching with Sweet Peet acts as a barrier between weeds and sunlight. No sunlight….no growth. Second, mulching with Sweet Peet helps retain moisture in the soil. By adding a barrier between your soil and the sun, you’re mulch absorbs the heat leaving your soil cool and moist. You’ll be grateful you mulched during those hot dry summers! Most of all, by using Sweet Peet, you will benefit from adding important nutrients and microbes to your soil. And with that…happy soil makes for happy plants! Lastly, it simply looks better! Imagine your flower bed without it…you’ll be glad you mulched.

Q. Why should I use Sweet Peet?
A. Oh, there are so many reasons! For one, it’s safe for your family and pets because it’s organic. If you’re adding Sweet Peet to your vegetable garden, nourishing it organically is ALWAYS best! Since it’s organic, you will see all of your plants, flowers and vegetables grow with delight thanks to the nutritional values it holds from natural wood, manure, and plant fibers. We take great pride in our product and because of that we have it tested by a lab several times a year in order to make sure the quality is maintained and that we continue to deliver a consistent product.
View Our Test Results Here.

Q. How do I use Sweet Peet as mulch?
A. This is a good question! Simply spread a layer of Sweet Peet around your plants, trees and shrubs. To suppress weeds, make sure your initial layer is 2 ½ -3 inches deep. Oh, and be sure to weed before you put it down for best results. Remember never to put any mulch up against your house or trunks of trees. Excessive mulch on the trunk can cause moisture to build up, creating ideal conditions for insects, diseases, and decay.

Q. Why do I still have weeds after mulching?
A. Most weed seeds are airborne or transported by birds. So, it is near impossible to eliminate them 100%. Because of the high nutritional value of Sweet Peet, anything that lands in it will grow. The good thing is that those weeds are very easy to pull out because the roots don’t need to travel deep to get nutrition.

Q. Can I use Sweet Peet in containers/planters?
A. Yes! You can use a ratio of 1 part Sweet Peet to 2 parts potting soil. You will get some great nutritional benefits and your soil in your pots will retain the moisture a bit better, so don’t over water!

Q. What is the pH of Sweet Peet and why does it matter?
A. Sweet Peet has a higher pH level making it alkaline, or “sweet.” It will average from 7.6-8.5. This is great for breaking down the hard clay soils (native to Ohio) that hinder optimal plant growth. Not to mention it combats acid rain and so much more. “A lot of problems in the garden stem from improper soil conditions. In NE Ohio, we tend to have hard, compact, clay soil. This soil can have a very low or acidic pH. This is good for acid loving plants such as azaleas, rhododendrons, hydrangeas, etc…but not so great for a lot of other plants. With the addition of Sweet Peet, your soil will be more balanced and welcoming to a larger array of plants. If you are not sure where to start your garden project, we recommend testing your soil. Either send a soil sample to a laboratory for detailed analysis or test your soil pH yourself by using a DIY kit found at most garden centers. These kits are relatively cheap, easy to use and give a good indication of your soil’s pH.”

Q. What does Sweet Peet consist of?
A. What puts Sweet Peet apart from any other product is that we compost used horse bedding from local horse farms. With this being said, Sweet Peet is comprised of soft wood shavings which horses are bed on, horse manure and trace amounts of hay and straw. It is carefully monitored for temperature and moisture as it composts and then screened to take out all unfavorable items such as rocks and horse shoes! You will also notice that Sweet Peet doesn’t have an offensive odor that you often get with products that contain manure. You’re welcome ?

Q. Can you plant directly into Sweet Peet?
A. Yes and no…you can plant annuals directly into Sweet Peet. However, when planting perennials, trees and shrubs, you want to add Sweet Peet to your existing soil when planting and then apply it as a top dress (or mulch) around your new plantings.

Q. How and why should I use Sweet Peet to top dress or spot seed my lawn?
A. We have produced a “how to” video on this subject, so make sure to watch it!
Click here to watch video. Apply a ½” layer of Sweet Peet on the bare spots, spread your seed, top with a ¼” layer of Sweet Peet, water and wait! When you use Sweet Peet you will help to retain the moisture that the seeds need to “pop.” Also, it will prevent the wind and birds from disturbing the seed. And the best part is that you are providing essential nutrients to the soil and there is no straw to rake up afterwards!

Q. How do I figure how much to order?
A. This is always a challenge! The best way to figure this equation out is with a garden calculator. First measure the size of your beds and determine how thick you want to apply it. We recommend 2 ½”- 3″ for most beds. If you also need to add some to the soil for new plantings, just add a little extra to the end amount. “Garden Calculator – click here“

Q. Where can I buy Sweet Peet?
A. Another great question! You will find Sweet Peet at most independent garden centers and landscape supply yards. Where you will not find it, is in big box stores. The reason for this is that Sweet Peet is a premium product and we only trust the knowledge of those in the garden industry to recommend and instruct on the use of it in your gardening projects. Sweet Peet is locally sourced, produced and sold.
“Where to buy-click here”

Q. What makes Sweet Peet different from traditional mulch and other composts?
A. Although Sweet Peet has the same attributes of many other products, how many have them all? It is so versatile! You can use it as mulch, soil amendment, seed starter, in all gardens or in pots! Also, Sweet Peet’s color is naturally derived by the tannins that are created during the composting process. No dyes are added! So, you get a blend that suppresses weeds, nourishes your soil, germinates grass seed and is esthetically appealing…all in one product! Oh, and did I mention that it has a pleasant earthy aroma? That’s right! Even though it contains horse manure, there is no odor!

Q. Can I use Sweet Peet in my vegetable garden?
A. Yes you can! Use Sweet Peet to nourish your soil by tilling or raking it into your soil before you plant your seeds or vegetables. Then apply a layer of it as a top dress to help keep weeds down and keep your soil from drying out.
Please contact us with any other questions you may have!