Managing Algae and Moss in Outdoor Bog Gardens

Question: My outdoor bog garden has developed various mosses and a dark green slime (algae) in wet areas. Are any mosses harmful? Is the algae harmful, and how can I control it without constant scraping?

Answer: The "slime" is likely a type of algae (often called slime mold). It's not harmful to plants, just unsightly. To control it, spray with a quaternary ammonium product like Consan 20. Important: Cover sensitive plants (butterworts, sundews) with plastic cups before spraying, as the chemical can burn their leaves. Sarracenia and Venus flytraps tolerate it well.

Quaternary ammonium breaks down quickly in sunlight and doesn't accumulate in soil. Follow label directions; available at hardware stores.

Happy growing!

— Jacob Farin