Moss is just a weed by definition. In fact, the green spore plant offers diverse possibilities for creative greening in the shade garden. Read here how you can grow moss in the garden professionally so that you can use it to create imaginative nature paintings.
How should you plant moss in the garden?
To successfully plant moss in the garden, choose a partially shaded to shady location with moist, cool and nutrient-poor soil that has an acidic pH value between 5.0 and 6.0. The planting time is ideally between April and September, during the growing season.
Where can moss grow?
All types of moss thrive as spore plants that do not root in the soil but only hold on with cell threads (rhizoids). Mosses therefore have the ability to establish themselves on a wide variety of surfaces, such as bed soil, tree bark or stone. However, you will only grow moss successfully if these general conditions prevail at the location:
- Partly shaded to shady location
- Damp and cool, preferably near a pond or stream
- Low-nutrient, fresh, moist soil with an acidic pH value between 5.0 and 6.0
A few types of moss tolerate sunshine and dry phases, such as the native Widerton mosses. The majority of spore plants only fulfill expectations if they are given a constantly shady, cool and moist place in the garden.
When is the best time to plant?
The optimum temperature for the vast majority of mosses is between 15 and 20 degrees Celsius. This means that in our regions the window for planting is open throughout the entire growing season. The best results can be achieved if you grow moss in the garden between April and September.
How do I plant moss in the bed correctly?
Careful soil preparation paves the way for rapid growth. Therefore, carefully remove all weeds from the chosen location so that they do not overgrow the moss. Check the pH level in the soil. If this is significantly above 6.0, work some peat or ericaceous soil into the soil. Then smooth the planting area with a lawn roller. Proceed as follows:
- Water the bed area with the lawn sprinkler or watering can
- Spread pieces of moss onto the surface and press down
- Press very small areas of moss into the substrate with tweezers
- Finally, sprinkle the freshly planted moss with water
The planting material for growing moss in the bed can be found elsewhere in the garden. Garden centers and hardware stores offer various types of moss in pots at planting time. Please do not remove any moss from the forest. A large number of native moss species are threatened with extinction and are subject to strict nature conservation.
How to propagate moss?
The vegetative propagation of moss is pleasantly uncomplicated. To do this, fill a pot or bowl with a lean, acidic substrate such as peat, herb or succulent soil. Akkadama or a similar bonsai substrate is also ideal. First moisten the soil with soft water. Then divide a piece of moss into several sections, press them into the substrate at a distance of 5-8 cm and water them with a fine spray.
Although moss plants do not produce seeds, they can certainly be propagated generatively. For this purpose, numerous spore capsules sprout on small stalks above the moss during the growing season. Cut off these stems. Crush the spore capsules on a plate, pick them up with a fine brush and transfer them to the moist propagation substrate. Then pour from below and put a transparent hood over the vessel.
Growing moss on stone – this is how it works
Moss does not rely on taking root in a substrate. Stones and walls can also be used to create a velvety green moss carpet. Coat the flat surface with nettle liquid and place small pieces of moss on top.
If you want to grow moss on an uneven, spherical or sloping surface, you can achieve the feat with a moss milk shake. In a blender, add 1 large piece of moss, 2 cups buttermilk, and 2 cups water. If the mixture has a creamy consistency, apply it with a brush or spray bottle. This opens up creative design possibilities on walls, boulders, house walls or tree trunks.
Are there suitable plant neighbors?
Although moss spreads vehemently in the lawn and displaces the noble grasses, it is otherwise weak in competition. Any moss would be overgrown by rapidly growing plant neighbors within a short period of time. Therefore, the spore plant is only suitable as a ground cover where it is not intended to suppress weeds. However, all types of moss feel right at home in the company of slow-growing trees. This is particularly true in the vicinity of deciduous and coniferous trees or hedges, which also provide the necessary shade.
Tip
In humid interiors, you can use moss to conjure up an atmosphere of green comfort. This is especially true for the bathroom on the north side of the house, where other types of plants rarely feel comfortable. Simply plant moss in a decorative bowl on peat or succulent soil to use it as an eye-catching houseplant in shady places.
