How to Spread Moss

Moss grows easily and can provide a green carpet in your garden all year round. It is a low maintenance ground cover, requiring no mowing, watering or fertilizing. Moss grows best on compact soil with plenty of moisture. Many moss species grow best in the shade. If you already have moss your your garden, you can easily encourage it to spread. After establishing the moss, you can sit back and enjoy your maintenance-free ground cover.

Powdered sulfur (optional)

Spade or butcher knife

Rake or hoe (optional)

Water

Blender

Conduct a soil test to check the pH level of your soil. Your local cooperative extension office will usually test your soil pH for a small fee. Add powdered sulfur to reduce the soil pH according to the soil test results, if necessary. Bring the soil pH level to about 5.5 because moss grows best in slightly acidic soil.

Use a spade or a butcher knife to dig a piece of moss the size of an outstretched hand. This piece will serve as your transplant piece. If you don't have moss already growing in your garden, you can buy moss transplant pieces from garden centers.

Remove any plants that grow in the site where you want to grow the moss. You can use a rake, a hoe or remove them by hand. Choose a site where moss is already growing for a better chance of success. Many moss types prefer shady areas, while others grow well in sunny sites.

Water the soil where you want to grow moss until it is muddy. Moss grows well where there is ample moisture.

Moisten the bottom of your moss transplant pieces and press them against the dampened soil to remove any air pockets.

Mix four parts moss and one part water in a blender for two minutes to produce a thick mixture. Spread the mixture in areas not covered by your moss transplant pieces to create a continuous carpet of moss.

Use a leaf blower to remove any debris on your moss because it could damage the moss.