Moss Gardening: Encouraging Moss Instead of Fighting It

More than a few gardeners have decided to switch rather than fight—they're purposely growing moss instead of eliminating it.

Hundreds of lawn lovers demonstrate how easy moss is to grow. They have it in patches where they want grass. As with any plant, the secret is giving it what it wants. Common Atlanta mosses crave dense clay soil, plenty of moisture, and shade. Maintenance is blowing off leaves and pulling small weeds. Moss doesn't grow rapidly, so rarely needs fertilizer beyond nature's provision. Hundreds, if not thousands, of moss species exist. If bitten by the moss bug, read "Moss Gardening" by George Schenk (Timber Press, $34.95).

Q: Propagating moss with buttermilk in a blender—true?

A: You've decided to encourage moss rather than fight it. Several Atlanta shade gardeners have done the same. You can propagate moss by digging clumps and "planting" them where wanted. For experimenting, blend moss with buttermilk, beer, or sugar water. The puree of stem parts and spores can be poured in the new moss garden. Key to Atlanta moss gardening: summer watering. Moss doesn't die when dry, just goes dormant—but looks unattractive. Look for "micro-sprayers" in drip irrigation components. Combined with an inexpensive water timer, regular watering is easy.

Q: Proportions for moss-buttermilk blend? Other moss sources?

A: Blend a handful of moss with about one cup buttermilk and one cup water. Pour or paint onto desired surfaces. Don't forget to clean the blender before your significant other finds out! Moss likes moist shade. If your area has these conditions, it should grow. Moss Acres sells spores online. Many Georgia native moss species can be found in local forests on rocks, rotting logs, and creeks. Easy to scoop into a plastic bag for home—transplants easily.

For more information, contact the Georgia Native Plant Society.