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Here are the answers to the most frequent questions we're asked. For more answers, we are happy to take or return your call to discuss your needs.Also, if you have questions about how to encourage and transplant moss on your own, then our best recommendation is to order the "Gardening with Moss" booklet by Dave Benner.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. How much sunlight can the four types of Moss tolerate?
2. Which of the mosses is best utilized in pathways, particularly between flagstones and stepping stones?
3. Why ship only Mondays through Wednesdays?
4. What is the best time of year to transplant the moss?
5. How should the pH testing strips be used, and what is the ideal pH for growing moss?
6. How long before the fern moss begins to spread once it is laid out, and can I divide it into smaller pieces to keep costs down and wait for it to fill in over time?
7. How do I create a “moss slurry”?
8. What geographic areas has your moss been successfully transplanted into?

1. How much sunlight can the four types of Moss tolerate?

Because the moss species we offer are primarily shade-loving mosses, direct sunlight is a definite “no-no”. Sporadic sunlight during varying periods of time during the day can be offset to some extent by regular hand watering or preferably with a sprinkler or misting system. However, we must emphasize: Shade mosses thrive in the shade. Haircap, and in some cases, Fern Moss will tolerate partial sun locations with the right amount of moisture being regularly applied.

2. Which of the mosses is best utilized in pathways, particularly between flagstones and stepping stones?

Fern moss is ideal for such applications. Because of its versatility and resiliency, fern moss serves as the best medium for such efforts. In addition, of the mosses offered, fern moss is the one variety that has the lowest profile, spreads the most quickly, and can withstand normal foot traffic, (provided the shoes do not have spikes or heels).

3. Why ship on Mondays through Wednesdays?

Because of our commitment to our customers that they receive our mosses in the finest condition, we ship on these two days to ensure that our products do not sit in UPS terminals for extended periods of time over weekends. We do not want to risk the chance that our moss be exposed to long periods of storage at high temperatures. Please note: Should an order be placed after 3:00 PM on Wednesdays, it will not be shipped until the following Monday.

4. What is the best time of year to transplant the moss?

Moss transplanting can be performed year-round. However, the most ideal times of the year are spring (Late March through mid-June) and fall (September through November). It should be noted that although the hot summer months are not ideal, our company has experienced excellent results with several large projects during hot periods in July and August. The key to success with these applications was most likely due to the sprinkler systems that had been previously installed at the sites. Winter is also fine, provided the ground is not frozen, and is free of snow (obviously!)

5. How should the pH testing strips be used, and what is the ideal pH for growing moss?

Simply take a sample of your soil and mix it with de-ionized water in a 1-to-1 ratio. Now place the color change strip into the mixture. Next, compare the color change of the strip to the various colors on the chart – this will provide a fairly accurate pH reading. The ideal range is 5.0 – 6.0. Lower readings are fine, but anything over 6.5 should be adjusted with our Liquid Sulfur- F concentrate, or Aluminum Sulfate. You do not have to wait following soil amendment prior to transplanting, just be sure to water the liquid sulfur aluminum sulfate in well so that it is not pooling on the surface.

6. How long before the fern moss begins to spread once it is laid out, and can I divide it into smaller pieces to keep costs down and wait for it to fill in over time?

The fern moss, once it is laid out and watered well, should double in size within six to twelve months. Fern moss can easily be divided into smaller sections or “plugs” that are then spaced in a checkerboard pattern and allowed to fill in over time. The other three mosses offered do not spread at a high rate, as their growth habit is much more “clump-like” in nature. (Rock Cap moss can establish itself nicely over larger areas with the "slurry technique" if it is kept moist - see below)

7. How do I create a “moss slurry”?

Moss slurries are used to dramatically reduce costs of attempting to cover large areas with a smaller amount of moss. This method can work well, but in all honesty is much more hit or miss in nature than transplanting entire sections of moss. To create the slurry, simply take water (or beer), a handful of moss, and a spoonful of water retention gel powder, and put this mixture in a blender. Blend for a minute or so. The result should be a thick moss slurry that can then be smeared out over a large area of soil, rocks, statues, etc. The addition of more moss fragments may be necessary for a thicker mixture. Paint or spread this slurry over the desired area(s), and most importantly, keep it watered constantly until it becomes well established.

New Product: Water Retention Gel

8. What geographic areas has your moss been successfully transplanted into?

Moss Acres now has customers throughout the country. To date we have experienced an incredibly high rate of transplanting success. There is virtually no problem shipping into any northern climate, as our moss grows in the mountains of Northeastern Pennsylvanian where the winters can be quite severe.

Regarding southern and western locals, we have been pleasantly surprised thus far with a very high survival rate. Hot and dry environments will definitely require denser shade and irrigation if relocation shock is to be avoided. To date we have happy customers in many southern regions, including, Texas, Southern California, Tennessee, as well as some other southern states. Prior to placing a larger order, it is always best to try some smaller quantities of our different mosses to see which species best adapt to your area prior to placing a large order. For this reason we now offer our very popular “Moss Sampler Set”.

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