How to use moss as a garden ground cover

Many gardeners love moss. It is a soft and attractive ground cover that enjoys moist and shady places. It is pleasant to walk on and fills in areas of a natural garden with particular style. However, if you do not have a large amount of moss growing naturally in your garden, it is still possibly to cultivate it and help it spread.

The Use of Moss in the Garden

Moss comes in many varieties and species. However, all types share the characteristics of being low growing and offering good ground coverage. Moss is perhaps most associated with covering stones, statuary, paths and walls. Indeed, it is very good at doing these things. Moss creates an untamed, woodsy type of look in the garden.

While many other types of ground cover are available, most are taller growing, will not stand up to foot traffic as much as moss, and just offer a different look.

How to Encourage the Spread of Moss in the Garden

In order to encourage the spread of moss as a ground cover in your garden, you need to have moss to begin with. Most moss likes cool and shady places with a good amount of moisture. However, most moss varieties do not like to sit in soggy ground and prefer a sandy type of soil that drains. That is another reason why moss does well on rocks and statuary.

If you have a place where moss can grow well, but want to encourage it to spread more extensively, there is a great trick to do so. Dig up a small amount of your moss, careful to include the small roots, and throw it into a blender with one can of flat beer. Whirl it up until it is coarsely chopped, and then spray it over the space you wish the moss to grow on. The beer provides nutrients to encourage the spread of the moss.

Some Examples of Moss as a Ground Cover

Moss makes an excellent ground cover for garden patios and walkways. However, for very heavy traffic areas, it is advisable to use stones or brick for the walkway or patio. First, lay the stones in sand according to regular walkway building instructions. Then, use the beer mixture method to spread the moss over the patio or walkway. Be sure to keep the area moist until the moss is established.

Using moss as a ground cover in your garden is a great idea for gardeners who like its natural appearance. Especially good in damp, shady areas, moss can be cultivated to grow and spread in many gardens.