The Many Advantages of Growing Moss
Mosses used in lawns and gardens are very appealing to the eye. They have been very popular not only in landscaping but for topiary applications, used as a weed control ground cover and the perfect plant to use for moist areas for cleaning the environment due to its ability to absorb toxins in wetland areas. There are lots of ethical reasons why live mosses have grown in popularity in the years. Requires very Little Water, Is Versatile, Easy To Grow And Pleasing To The Eye Maintaining moss is inexpensive, easy to plant and grows well without a lot of maintenance. With normal plants, you can expect your water bill to shoot to very large mounts. Moss is capable of surviving in all sorts of environments and can even go for a very long time without water. It also provides moist areas with a natural year round beauty due to it being an evergreen ground cover In some cases, moss will even grow without your efforts. You will be happy with the reduced work you have when it comes to its maintenance. If the plant ends up drying up when you are short of water, it will usually grow back on its own. That means you are likely to only purchase the moss plant once, and it will keep regrowing in your lawn even in cases of water shortage. Also, mosses can tolerate a wide range of pH levels. Most moss species are well adapted to acidic conditions. The plants grow best in shade gardens. Planting moss in shady areas and low pH surfaces also discourages the growth of grass. Although they grow best in shady gardens, they will not die when exposed to the sun, or even when grown in high pH areas. Preserves, Cleans and Aids the Environment A garden or lawn is not just supposed to be attractive and topiary. It should encourage the preservation of the planet and water sources. Besides lowering the need for water, moss doesn't require fertilizers or other chemicals. That means homeowner's costs are lowered further and you get to play a role in keeping natural water sources safe. As you probably know already, these chemicals find their way into the ground and usually end up joining the streams of water under it. Finally, the chemicals will pollute the water sources and cause harm to anyone who uses the contaminated water. With moss plants, there is no need for expensive growth enhancement products. Moss gardens are surrounded by lush, green year- round topiaries and true evergreen ground covers. Moss Aids in the Reclamation of Land and Prevent Soil Erosion In places where mining or other similar activities have occurred, moss can be used to reclaim the land. Moss can thrive and grow on their own in sites with mineral toxins. In the same sites, many other garden plants cannot grow even if special nutrients, soil and fertilizers are used. Moss plants help to clear the area of toxic materials. Varying species of moss perform differently when it comes to absorbing toxic matter from the environment. The most used for environmental toxins are the hair cap moss, sheet moss, carpet moss, tree apron moss, and cushion moss. These species of moss are also best to grow in places with very salty soils. also. During winter, many environments get excessively salty because of government efforts to make roads usable. The resulting contaminated water is dangerous to normal plants, but moss gardens will be lush and green year round. Even with the heavy metal and salt toxins, moss gardens are able to survive without much effort or care. This makes the plant ideal for landscaping in recent mining sites. Due to the absorption of these elements, the plant will also help to make your natural water sources safer. Because of the absorptive power of moss plants, it can easily be planted in areas near flooding due to its ability to retain ample moisture. The plants can absorb ten time their weight in water making a perfect moist area garden and helps reduce the effects of heavy rains or flood. Moss also is perfect for eroding soils. It effectively will help to reduce soil erosion that results from the water flow. To further reduce soil erosion, moss plants have long rhizoids that can hold soil particles together. Have a nice Green Appearance and Is Perfect For Shade Garden Planting Mosses can improve the appearance of shade gardens considerably. There are over 34 sold species of live garden mosses being sold in the United States. The most attractive types are carpet moss, hair cap moss, sheet moss, tree apron moss, and cushion moss. Usually, they grow thick and can be trimmed to a nice topiary design. Moss is a vastly popular landscaping additive, especially with those that demand weed control under shrubs and flower gardens. Although moss grows well in almost all environments, it is best to grow them in shade gardens. Also, they will do best in wet or moist areas with a lower ph. If one has shade and moisture in their landscape, then moss will provide a great ground-cover for the area. In case these elements shift through the year, moss is still your best bet. The reason is that it will not die when it lacks the optimum conditions for growth. It might dry up but will always grow back when exposed to optimum conditions. An Overview Of Moss From A Grower Tammy Sons at Tn Nursery, a leading moss producer in the growing and shipping industry says their moss sales has tripled over the past 5 years due to the many benefits of the plant. She states that growing moss has become so popular because of its evergreen ability to stay green year round and it is a low-maintenance perfect alternative to planting grass in lawns and aids in upscale-shade gardening plans.
Gardening tips, videos, info and more delivered right to your inbox!
Sign up for the Gardening Know How newsletter today and receive a free download of our DIY eBook "Bring Your Garden Indoors: 13 DIY Projects For Fall And Winter".
-
8 Flower Seeds To Sow In Fall That Are Butterfly Magnets: Plant A Beautiful Pollinator Oasis
Create a vibrant butterfly sanctuary by planting fall seeds that attract and support precious pollinators.
By Melanie Griffiths
-
7 Wild Greens For Fresh Foraged Salads – A Delicious Supplement To Your Kitchen Garden
Far from being surplus, foraged greens can be a delectable addition to your garden growing adventures. Here are some key wild greens worthy of a nutritional feast
By Amy Grant