How to Grow Sphagnum Peat Moss
Sphagnum moss is a low-growing plant found in damp areas such as bogs and marshes. When the moss begins to decay, it dries out and is called peat. Sphagnum peat moss has been grown, harvested and dried to be used in potting soils and gardens. With a little work, the proper conditions can be created to grow your own sphagnum moss. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Spread a layer of newspaper on a flat surface and place 2 to 3 cups of peat moss on top of it. Chop the moss into 1-inch sections with a sharp knife.
-
2
Fill a large plastic container with 6 to 8 inches of dried peat moss.
-
-
3
Spread the 2 to 3 cups of chopped peat moss over the 6- to 8-inch layer of dried peat moss in an even layer.
-
4
Sprinkle 3 to 4 cups of pine straw over the moss cuttings, or just enough that the cuttings can be seen through the straw, which helps retain moisture.
-
5
Give the cuttings at least 1 inch of water at the initial planting. Water the moss daily, thereafter, never allowing the moss or the top of the soil to dry out.
-
6
Place the tub in a brightly lit location where the temperature remains between 50 and 70 degrees F at all times. New green sphagnum moss should appear in one to two months.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
To harvest the peat moss, insert a hand spade 1 inch into the top of the green moss and lift up. The green moss will come off in large sections. The peat moss is the organic matter underneath the green carpet.
If the tips of the moss turn brown, the moss is not getting enough water.
