Moss is a hardy plant that grows in humid, damp conditions, and since it doesn’t have roots, it can even grow on rocks or trees!
You may have noticed that moss in a garden or a park helps to create an aged and mature outdoor aesthetic. What you may not know, is that moss has benefits beyond the visual, making it an excellent plant candidate for your own back yard.
Why Transplant moss into a garden
Moss does a great job of protecting the soil you have from being washed away, and in general, moss helps to stop soil erosion. It can be used as a growth medium (something which is utilized heavily by florists and nurseries), and it can be used as an amazing alternative to mulch, as it absorbs and purifies water. So, if you live in a very rain-heavy location, you can place moss on the soil so your plants are not overwatered or washed out too regularly.
How to grow your own moss once transplanted
The easiest way to encourage moss to grow in your garden is to promote the moss you may already have. Many gardens and yards do already have some moss growing in them, and if you already have the moss, then you already know the exact location in your garden that moss will grow! We love it when a plan comes together!
To keep the moss coming, sometimes all you need to do is add a little more moisture to make it grow thicker. Moss loves acidic soil as well as humidity, so one way to help encourage existing moss to keep growing is to create a solution of water and buttermilk (in equal proportions). This combination will add acid and nutrients to the water and boost your moss.
You could also use a fertilizer that any other acid-loving plant would appreciate.
How to transplant moss into the garden
If you don’t already have moss in your garden and you want it, you’ll need to transplant some. Moss can be harvested from areas where it is already growing, or it can be bought. Be careful when purchasing moss, though, as not all mosses grow well in all locations, so do your research before you buy to make sure you get a moss that will be right for your garden.
Tips for transplanting moss:
The best time to transplant moss is in the spring or fall when there will likely be the most rainfall.
Lay a patch of the transplanted moss into the location you'd like it to grow.
If you have a larger area to cover, you can use a plug method just like you would for grass. Place small pieces of moss at equal distances and eventually the moss will grow together. I find spacing patches a part by about 2 inches is easy.
Once you've transplanted moss, m
ake sure to water it thoroughly.