How to Grow a Moss Garden

If you are looking to capture the serenity of nature in your own backyard, then a moss garden is for you. Creating the awe-inspiring carpet of moss is easier than you think and doesn't cost a thing. With a few common household ingredients and some natural moss gathered from nature, you too, can create a lush green garden amid the rocks and logs in shady spots in your yard.

Find Your Spot

Before you begin, talk a walk around your yard to find just the right spot for your moss garden. Imagine yourself tucked into a quiet cool corner reading your favorite book surrounded by nature.

Arrange Natural Elements

Once you have discovered your special spot, it is time to arrange the natural elements. Old stumps, logs, and rocks that provide visual appeal are a must for your secluded garden.

A small wooden bench or stone bench will provide seating in your mossy nook sheltered from the hot sun on summer days.

Harvesting/Planting

Once you have arranged your garden area, it is time to harvest natural moss from the forest or other shady areas. If you are able to cut large pieces and can retain some of the soil or debris it is growing on, you can "transplant" these on similar material. Simply press the moss firmly against soil or partially rotten logs and keep moist. It will continue to grow and spread in the new spot.

For moss-covered rocks, growing new moss may be a better choice.

Growing New Moss

To create "new moss", you will need a handful of each type you wish to grow. Look closely; all mosses are not the same. Simply peal it off stones, logs, or the ground and tuck it into a plastic bag. If you wish to experiment with more than one type, be sure to store them in separate bags.

You will need:
1-½ cups of buttermilk
2 teaspoons of sugar
Blender
Wooden spoon
Spatula

Mix
Add a handful of moss to the blender. Add the sugar. Pour 1-½ cups of buttermilk and blend to mix the ingredients and to break the moss into small pieces.

Spread
Spread or pour the mixture onto the areas where you want the moss to grow.

Repeat with other moss varieties if desired.