Moss lawn: how to grow an emerald carpet where even grass cannot survive

17.02.2025 10:48

If your area resembles a swamp and your attempts to grow a lawn fail, moss will be your salvation.

This is not just a weed, but a unique plant that can transform a problem area into an aesthetic corner.

A 2023 study in Urban Gardening magazine confirmed that moss absorbs excess moisture, prevents soil erosion, and creates a dense covering that does not require mowing.

Grass
Photo: © Belnovosti

But success depends on the choice of species. For example, cuckoo flax is ideal for damp lowlands, and dicranum survives even in dry, shady areas.

Avoid sphagnum - it makes the soil very acidic, which is harmful to other plants.

Landscape designer Anna Petrova revealed the secret of planting: “Mix moss crumbs with natural yogurt (1:1).”

Lactic bacteria create a nutrient medium, and the consistency allows the mixture to be distributed evenly. Apply it to damp soil, cover with film for 7 days and water every 3 days. The first green islands will appear in a month.

Summer resident Marina from Khabarovsk shared: "Nothing grew under the old oak tree. I planted moss using this method - in six months I got an emerald carpet, which spread out by itself for 3 meters!"

But if the moss doesn't take root, check the soil pH. Soil expert Igor Semenov explains: moss likes acidity of 4.5–5.5.

If the soil is neutral, add peat or pine litter. For alkaline areas, watering with a weak vinegar solution (50 ml per 10 l) is suitable.

Disclaimer: Moss is not a substitute for drainage.

If water stagnates for more than 3 days, combine a moss lawn with drainage ditches. In dry regions, water the moss every 5 days, otherwise it will turn brown.

Elena Shimanovskaya Author: Elena Shimanovskaya Editor of Internet resources


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