Moss transforms your garden into a green refuge wherever other plant species stubbornly refuse. In no time, previously dreary, low-light niches radiate an inviting, fragrant, green naturalness. We would be happy to explain proven methods for growing moss in the bed.
How can you grow moss in the bed?
To grow moss in the bed, choose a partially shaded location with acidic soil. Lay out a layer of leaf compost, peat or ericaceous soil and insert moss stalks into small holes. Keep the moss constantly slightly moist.
This is how moss becomes at home in the bed - tips on location and planting
In the authentic Japanese garden, moss species are just as popular a design component as in any creative ornamental garden. A prime example of a robust, magnificent garden moss is Widerton moss (Polytrichum commune). Fountain liver moss (Marchantia polymorpha), broom moss (Dicranum scoparium) or white moss (Leucobryum glaucum) also prove to be decorative, but do not tolerate drought and sunshine so easily. This is how you plant the mosses correctly:
- A semi-shady to shady location is ideal, preferably humid, with acidic forest or moor soil
- Spread a 5-8 cm thick layer of leaf compost, peat or ericaceous soil as a base
- Rake the substrate smooth and firm it slightly with a lawn roller
- Drill small holes with a wooden stick at a distance of 3-4 cm
- Insert a few moss stalks, press the soil together and pour it over with a fine spray
Pre-grown moss from the garden center can be established more quickly. Just 5 of the handy moss patches in the 13 cm pot are enough to green up a square meter of bed area. It is important to note that immediately after planting, the moss is kept slightly moist so that it can establish itself without any problems.
Greening stone with moss milk – How to do it
Since moss thrives without roots, it is ideal for imaginative greening of stones, pots or walls. You will need 2 cups of buttermilk, 2 cups of water and 1 large piece of moss. Mix the ingredients in the blender until the mixture has the consistency of a milk shake. Use this to spray the stony surface or apply the moss milk with a brush.
Tip
In the terrarium or in an orchid display case, forest moss is a decorative substrate that also makes a valuable contribution to the warm, humid microclimate. Specialist retailers offer practical moss tiles that unfold in water within 15 minutes. After you have spread a 4-8 cm thick layer of leaf compost on the terrarium floor, you can easily plant the forest moss on it without committing any harm to protected moss species.
