To grow moss between pavers, you'll essentially be creating a moss slurry and applying it to the desired areas. Here's how:
1. Gather Your Materials:
- Moss Fragments: Collect moss from a shaded, moist area. You can harvest it from your yard or purchase it from a nursery.
- Blender: For creating the moss slurry.
- Water, Buttermilk, Beer, or Eggs: These act as a binding agent and provide nutrients to the moss. Water is the simplest, while buttermilk, beer, and eggs can offer a more nutrient-rich environment.
- Containers: For blending and application.
- Brush or Spray Bottle: For applying the slurry.
2. Prepare the Moss Slurry:
- Clean the Moss: Remove any dirt, leaves, or debris from the moss fragments.
- Blend the Mixture: Combine 1 cup (0.24 liters) of moss fragments with 1 cup (0.24 liters) of your chosen liquid (water, buttermilk, beer, or eggs) in a blender.
- Blend Thoroughly: Blend for approximately 2 minutes until you achieve a smooth, paint-like consistency.
3. Prepare the Paver Joints:
- Clean the Joints: Remove any weeds, dirt, or debris from the spaces between the pavers. A clean surface encourages moss growth.
- Moisten the Joints: Lightly dampen the soil or sand between the pavers with water before applying the slurry. This helps the slurry adhere and keeps the area moist.
4. Apply the Moss Slurry:
- Application: Use a brush or spray bottle to apply the moss slurry generously to the prepared joints between the pavers. Ensure the slurry makes good contact with the soil or sand.
- Optional: Moss Fragments: You can also sprinkle additional moss fragments directly onto the soil after applying the slurry to further encourage growth.
5. Maintain Moisture:
- Watering: Keep the area consistently moist, but not waterlogged. Water gently using a misting nozzle or sprinkler.
- Frequency: Water the area daily, especially during dry periods, until the moss becomes established.
- Shade: Moss thrives in shaded areas. If the area receives direct sunlight, consider providing temporary shade with a cloth or netting.
Tips for Success:
- Choose the Right Moss: Different moss varieties thrive in different conditions. Research which moss is best suited for your local climate and the amount of sunlight the area receives.
- Patience is Key: It can take several weeks or even months for moss to fully establish itself.
- Control Weeds: Regularly remove any weeds that sprout between the pavers, as they can compete with the moss for resources.
- Avoid Foot Traffic: Minimize foot traffic on the moss, especially during the initial establishment phase.
