I would like to start a moss garden in my very shady lawn. Can you give some advice to beginners?
Answer
A moss garden sounds like a fine idea in your area. You probably already have some moss growing around in your property. Moss needs the following to grow:
- fairly compact soil
- acid soil (below 6.4)
- dappled shade to full shade
- moist conditions (can dry out in the summer)
- protected area from winds
Remove all grass and weeds, keeping any soil. Take a soil pH test. Acidify soil as necessary. Scratch a small amount of compost into top 1 inch of soil. Transplant some of the moss you already have in your yard. Some moss and water can be blended up in the blender with just a little chop and spread over the area.
For more information, see:
Cullina, William. Native ferns, moss & grasses (2008) especially his excellent chapter on gardening with mosses. We have a copy here in the PHS McLean Library. As a member, you may borrow this book.