How to Grow Sphagnum Moss

Sphagnum moss grows in wet and boggy areas with low pH levels. It's typically found in thick, spongy clumps and has light green color fronds or leaves. Sphagnum moss is harvested as a fertilizer, commonly called peat moss. You can grow your own by transplanting live portions of moss to an appropriately moist place.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Live sphagnum moss
• Hole or container
• Compost or topsoil
• Fertilizer

1. Cut a square foot section from the top 4 inches of a living sphagnum moss clump. Slice the sphagnum moss clump into smaller pieces approximately the size of a quarter.

2. Find a location that is shady, with no direct sunlight during any part of the year. Dig a hole, or use a large potting container that is at least 2 feet in depth. The diameter of the container or hole will vary based on how much moss you are sowing. One square foot of sphagnum starter moss will yield 10 square feet of new growth.

3. Place high quality, clean compost or topsoil into the container. Provide a 6 inch space between the top soil and the rim of the hole or container.

4. Seed the top soil with the sphagnum moss quarter-sized cuttings. Place a 1/4 inch layer of fertilizer over the sphagnum moss to increase growth rates.

5. Keep the moss damp and moist with frequent watering. Occasional flooding of the hole or container will help to facilitate growth. If you have hard water be sure to filter the water.

References

• Grow Sphagnum Moss
• Brandeis University