How to Grow a Moss Garden

If you have a shady area in your yard, with only some morning or afternoon sun, consider creating a moss garden. Moss gardens grow well in moist soils, but they are hardy enough to survive periods of drought. The best thing is that these beautiful creeping plants live for a long time. Here's how to get started.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Moss
• Shade

1. Find the moss. This can be challenging as many nurseries do not carry moss. Your best bet is to use some from a neighbor's garden, or call several nurseries in advance to see if they have any available. Or see if you can find some moss growing in the woods.
2. Prepare your soil for planting. Pat it down and remove any excess debris. Moss likes to grow on solid, firm surfaces as opposed to loose, fresh surfaces.
3. Lay the moss on the ground in sections and then pat down firmly but gently. This will remove any air pockets.
4. To plant moss on rocks, apply a layer of mud then press the moss into it.
5. Keep the moss moist by watering it thoroughly for about three weeks.
6. Monitor the acidity of your soil occasionally. Moss needs a pH of between 5.0 and 6.0.
7. Enjoy your new moss garden.

Tips & Warnings

• You can propagate moss in a blender by adding a few blocks of moss with a little water and some buttermilk. Blend until it's thick and milky, then spread the mixture over the area where you want moss, using a paintbrush. Keep the area moist and you will have moss in about five weeks.
• Don't use compost with moss; it will not respond well.

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