In shady gardens there can sometimes be stubborn mossy areas in the lawn. Although the so-called star moss is not a moss in botanical terms, it can not only serve as grave planting, especially in partial and full shade, but can also represent an interesting alternative to conventional turf.
When is star moss suitable as a lawn replacement?
Star moss is an ideal lawn replacement for locations with partial or full shade and nutrient-rich, permeable soil. It is easy to care for, requires no mowing and tolerates occasional foot traffic. Plant 10-15 young plants per square meter in spring or autumn for a closed layer.
Where is star moss suitable as a lawn replacement
Even if lawn replacement plants such as star moss are certainly walkable, they are not suitable as a surface for a children's playground. However, occasional entry (without heavy equipment such as wheelbarrows) does not harm the star moss once it has grown well and spread over a large area. Since star moss, unlike lawns, never needs to be mowed, it is also ideal for occasionally used recreational properties or slopes. Locations with partial or full shade and nutrient-rich, permeable soil are ideal.
Sowing or planting star moss as a lawn replacement
If you want to grow the star moss yourself from seeds, then you should make sure that the soil area is really free of “weeds” and their seeds after preparing it with some compost and sand.“Steaming” the seeds that are usually everywhere due to the wind approach with a special device saves a lot of work when weeding during the germination phase of the star moss plants. It is quicker with the closed layer of star moss, which grows around 3 centimeters high, if around 10 to 15 young plants are planted evenly distributed per square meter. Spring and autumn are the best times for planting. You should pay attention to:
- a well-leveled surface of earth
- a loosened soil pre-fertilized with compost
- even soil moisture during the germination and growth phase
The perfect year-round care for the “lawn replacement” star moss
Once the star moss covers an enclosed area as a lawn replacement, it usually only needs very little care. The only thing you should pay attention to with star moss is an adequate supply of water and nutrients. Before winter, the leaves that usually grow at star moss locations should be removed to prevent mold and rot from appearing over the winter.
Tip
If the star moss grows too high, it can simply be shortened with secateurs. This also leads to better spread of plants in the area. However, you should not prune in spring if you do not want to suffer visual losses when the flowers bloom in May.