I'm not crazy. I love the color, the way it feels underfoot, that it doesn't need mowing under the trees where roots damage the blades. What does everyone have against moss anyway?
2006-12-14 09:42:57 · 8 answers · asked by character 5 in Home & Garden ➔ Garden & Landscape
Your soil needs a couple of things to encourage moss. Nitrogen, humidity and wet/damp conditions.
The humidity naturally occurs with the damp soil locking the surface and the decaying lower part of a smothering plant like moss. The nitrogen is fast acting and adds acidity, which is the main thing you need to have moss.
Nitrogen (the first # on a bag of fertilizer) acts fast and is not locked in the soil like phosphorus and potassium are, (the 2nd and 3rd #'s on the fertilizer.)
Don't over do it with nitrogen. It will run away and get into surface water causing problems in lakes and streams. (whole other discussion and not a good outcome for the environment!) If you try ot create conditions that encourage moss your efforts will, in the short run of the long run, probably not be too successful.
Using milk products does encourage moss on containers, especially concrete ones. Using it in your lawn ... maybe not so much.
2006-12-14 11:22:18 · answer #1 · answered by A V 2 · 9⤊ 1⤋
I would recommend that you plant some evergreens. They tend to make the soil around them acidic, which is favorable for moss. Think about where moss grows naturally.... in the woods!
Hope this helps!
2006-12-14 21:39:12 · answer #2 · answered by Willy B 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I understand your love of moss. it's cool & calming. Shade . Moisture . Moss seems to love some rocks.rotting wood etc. but hates others. Best bet is to experiment. it's all fun & it keeps you out there where you want to be.
2006-12-14 18:55:29 · answer #3 · answered by deb.jones888 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Hi,
Besides "gojenns" post, I believe that "soybean meal" along with the yogurt/buttermilk helps add a gentle addition of nitrogen.
Hope this helps, too.
Usually people are trying to rid there yards and such of moss.
Have Fun,
Dave
2006-12-15 01:12:54 · answer #4 · answered by what'sthis4 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You need lots of constant moisture.....not buckets of water, but constant misty conditions, minimal indirect sunshine. I share your love of moss, especially the way it gives underfoot! (barefoot, of course!) Good luck!
2006-12-14 17:51:23 · answer #5 · answered by barefoot_yank 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I've heard from many master gardeners, the way to get moss growing is to spread buttermilk or yogurt over the area you want it to grow. After that, all you need is time and moisture.
http://forums.gardenweb.com/forums/load/alpines/msg0215144511000.html?/alpines/msg0215144511000.html
2006-12-14 18:18:25 · answer #6 · answered by gojenni714 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Live in Oregon or Washington State and you`ll have lots of moss!I like moss and I can live with it....
2006-12-14 18:03:39 · answer #7 · answered by Carol H 5 · 1⤊ 3⤋
It requires a lot of dampness and shade.
It is very pretty for sure.
2006-12-14 18:37:47 · answer #8 · answered by ? 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋