Moss is just a weed by definition. In fact, the green spore plant offers multifaceted possibilities for creative greening in the shade garden. Read here how to grow moss in the garden professionally in order to practice imaginative nature painting.

Moss can be used to decorate shady, empty spots in the garden

At which location can moss grow?

All types of moss thrive as spore plants that do not root in the ground but only hold on to cell threads (rhizoids). Thus, mosses have the ability to establish themselves on a wide variety of substrates, such as bedding soil, tree bark or stone. However, you will only grow moss successfully if these general conditions prevail at the location:

  • Partly shaded to shaded location
  • Damp and cool, likes to be near a pond or stream
  • Poor, fresh, moist soil with an acidic pH between 5.0 and 6.0

A few moss species tolerate sunshine and dry periods, such as the native Widerton moss. Most spore plants only live up to expectations if they are given a constantly shady, cool and moist spot in the garden.

When is the best planting time?

The optimum temperature for the vast majority of mosses is between 15 and 20 degrees Celsius. Thus, in our regions, the time window for planting is open throughout the growing season. The best results are obtained when you grow moss in the garden between April and September.

How do I properly plant moss in the bed?

Careful soil preparation sets the course for rapid growth. Therefore, carefully remove all weeds at the chosen location so that they do not overgrow the moss. Check the soil pH. If this is well above 6.0, work some peat or bog soil into the soil. Then smooth the planting surface with a lawn roller. How to proceed:

  • Irrigate the bed area with the lawn sprinkler (€27.99) or the watering can
  • Distribute pieces of moss on 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 protection.

How can moss be propagated?

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 parts, press them into the substrate 5-8 cm apart and water them with a fine spray.

Although moss plants do not produce seeds, they can very well be propagated generatively. For this purpose, numerous spore capsules sprout during the growing season, which rise above the moss on small stalks. 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 - Here's how

Moss does not need to take root in a substrate. Stones and walls are therefore also suitable for laying a velvety green moss carpet on them. Spread nettle manure on the flat surface and place small moss plates on top.

If you want to grow moss on an uneven, spherical or sloping surface, you can do the trick with a moss-milk shake. In a blender, combine 1 large chunk 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 options on walls, boulders, house walls or tree trunks.

Are there suitable plant neighbors?

Although moss spreads in the lawn with vehemence and crowds out the noble grasses, it is otherwise weak in competition. Any moss would be overgrown within a short time by fast-growing neighboring plants. Therefore, the spore plant is only suitable as a ground cover where it should not suppress weeds. In the company of slow-growing shrubs, however, all types of moss feel right at home. This applies in particular in the vicinity of deciduous and coniferous trees or hedges, which also provide the necessary shade.

tips

Moss can conjure up an atmosphere of green cosiness in humid interior rooms. This is especially true for the bathroom on the north side of the house, where other types of plants rarely thrive. Simply plant moss in a decorative bowl on peat or succulent soil for use as a conspicuous houseplant in shady areas.

Category:

Vegetable garden