Benefits and Moss Uses In Shade Gardens
Moss will improve the look of your garden without the need to add plants that require a lot of attention states Tammy Sons of Tn Nursery, a leading moss supplier in Tennessee; adding mosses to your garden may be the solution. Moss does not have roots, seeds, or flowers, they only need one cell of leaves to grow, and they reproduce by dispersing spores through water or wind. The majority of moss species tend to grow to a height of about two inches, and they do not need pesticides, fertilizers, or herbicides to thrive, so they are an environmentally friendly option for almost any garden. Although some people think of mosses as weeds or a plant used only for decorative purposes, the fact is, there are many benefits to using mosses in your landscaping projects.
Helps Retain Water
Although mosses need water to survive, they don’t require weekly watering from the garden hose. In most situations, all that’s required is a light misting. Moss is very easy to grow, and it can go an extremely long time without water. But, one of the best benefits of moss in the garden is that it retains water and provides a moist area for the other plants growing around it. Once moss has been planted in your garden, it will continue to keep growing, even in areas where there is a water shortage. The majority of moss species also adapt well to acidic conditions and can tolerate a variety of pH levels. Most plants tend to grow the best in shady gardens; however, they will not die if they are exposed to sunny conditions.
Preserves and Helps the Environment
Not only are gardens meant to add color and attractiveness to the landscaping, but they should also benefit the environment. Many of the chemicals used to enhance the growth of garden plants will eventually find their way into the ground and end up into water sources, which may not only harm the environment but people as well if the contaminated water is used. Along with conserving water, moss doesn’t need chemicals and fertilizers to thrive, so with the addition of moss to the garden, you will be reducing the need to pollute the ground with fertilizers, chemicals, and pesticides. Another benefit for the environment is that moss doesn’t need to be mowed; it actually helps to prevent the growth of grass, so you’ll reduce the number of emissions put out by the lawnmower.
Prevents Soil Erosion
If you have noticed flowers and plants struggling to survive in your garden, it may not be due to not having a green thumb; it may be a result of mineral toxins in the ground. In some areas, garden plants struggle to grow even with the application of nutrients, fertilizers, and fresh soil because of the toxins found deep in the existing soil. Mosses help to clear the area of these toxins. Although most all mosses will do their part in clearing the mineral toxins from the ground, there are certain species of mosses that work harder at clearing these toxins, such as sheet moss, cushion moss, and carpet moss. These species are especially beneficial in areas with salty soil, which is often a result of the salt used on roadways in areas with snowy, icy winters. The salt seeps into the ground, contaminating the soil, making the soil dangerous for plants. Planting moss in the garden will help to eliminate the salt and other toxins, allowing your garden to thrive with very little effort.
There are many species of mosses to choose from, and the majority of them are inexpensive. There’s no need for pesticides, fertilizers, or nitrogen-enriched soil to cultivate moss in the garden. It is an inexpensive, convenient, and aesthetically pleasing addition to the garden as well as the environment.
