Question
Hi Courtney, welcome back.  As you requested, we're keeping you posted (+ a question at the end).  Well as the process goes, since we learned that Irish Moss takes some foot traffic but may not take a lot, we decided to lay in some flagstone-type pavers as a walkway, just to be sure.  This past week-end I tilled the soil (whewww).  Our local nursery told us that our ground soil is fine, so she suggested just adding some potting soil mixture.  Does that sound o.k. to you?  So that's our next step.  My question is, since the ground is now very loose, should I compact it a little or leave it loose?  Which one is better for the I/M to florish?  BTW, we think we're going to lay it diagonally as oppose to a square grid.  Thanks again...

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Followup To
Question -
Hi Courtney, I'm planing on replacing my sod grass with Irish Moss.  We live in southern California and have sandy soil.  The yard gets sun (approx. 3-4 hours) and is partially shaded.  Is there anything I need to do or add to the soil to prepare it for the Irish Moss plugs?  Should I till the soil first?

Thanks in advance.
Answer -
Hank,

I'm jealous. I think Irish Moss is GORGEOUS!!! It's probably my all-time favorite alternative lawn. I would love to be able to put in the plugs for a whole big space. If you don't mind, I would love it if you'd keep me posted on how your project goes.

Many Saginas are weeds. Although Sagina subulata is happily cultivated as a garden plant, it retains some of those great "weed" qualities that make it an easy and dependable plant.

From the American Horticultural Society A-Z Encyclopedia of Garden Plants: "Grow in poor to moderately fertile, acidic to neutral, moist but well-drained soil, in full sun with some midday shade" (p. 921).

Yes, I would till the soil before putting in the plugs. I would remove any vegetation already in the soil where the plugs are going, get a load of leaf mold delivered, and till that into the area to the depth of at least 6". You probably have nothing to worry about with the pH of your soil, but pH tests are easy and quick and can't hurt.

I'm truly excited for you. This is an exciting project. Good luck!

Answer
Hank!

It's great to hear from you again! Thanks for the update.

I emphatically do NOT LIKE potting soil in the garden. It contains fertilizers and (sometimes) styrofoam and other things that don't belong outside. I'm not sure why your nursery would suggest such a thing, so, by all means, check with them again about WHY they suggest potting soil.

I would use leaf mold (composted leaves). It's light and fluffy for drainage, is nutrient rich for fertilizer, and is made just with leaves. Many municipalities, neighborhoods, and counties make their own leaf mold out of "lawn waste" they collect on trash day. My city collects this, composts it, and has it free to pick up by residents (or delivered for a very reasonable fee). Commercial soil/sand/mulch vendors usually carry something like it. Some nurseries carry it too. Mushroom compost (bagged from nurseries) is a very suitable alternative, although pricier.

I recommend against compacting your lovely, fluffy soil. Keeping it so loose when you first get the plants in will allow deep and wide root development. Rain and feet will compact it soon enough anyway.

The stepping stones interspersed sound beautiful. Hope I've helped some.

Good luck!