3 Different Ways to Grow Moss

Moss doesn’t ask for much. Forget the fertilizers and pesticides; a little shade and moist soil are all it needs to grow well. It doesn’t even mind a little foot traffic. And some people love the soft feeling beneath their feet so much, they create and use quirky bath mats made of moss. Spread the green around with these three growing methods.

1. In a Container

Plant moss in a pot and either give it the spotlight or use it as filler among other flowers. Native miniature, like partridge berry and dwarf crested iris, complement it well thanks to their diminutive size and fun pops of color: When pairing plants, keep in mind that if the pot is in a shady spot, the moss’s neighbors should be shade-tolerant, too.

2. Beneath Your Feet

Ditch the lawn mower once and for all. This plant grows where grass doesn’t, and in some areas, gardeners simply substitute one for the other. Compared to grass, moss is much easier to care for, and it’s a healthy green year-round, making it an attractive alternative. Sheet moss, like Hypnum curvifolium, is perfect for newbies because of its resilience and ability to live beside most plants.

3. Across a Wall

Fill in the cracks of a ho-hum brick wall for a refreshing new look. Choose species that are heat-tolerant, like Ceratodon and Entodon, and hose the area down first. Then, nudge moss and a little soil into each fissure until they’re firmly in place. And remember, the more porous the surface, the more likely that the moss will take hold and thrive. This approach also works well for stony pathways.

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