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Best MN moss #561911

Asked May 16, 2019, 2:59 PM EDT

What is the best (hardiest) moss to use between flagstone pavers, in shade, and moist ground in MN?

Anoka County Minnesota

Expert Response

It is best to select mosses that are native to MN. The following guide from the Minnesota DNR describes several families of native mosses. Some mosses like deeper shade than others. Try to plant your new moss in an area that corresponds to what it likes. You should be able to transplant moss or make a moss slurry. Treat your transplants as you would any new transplants, keeping them moist until they have a chance to settle in. They may dry out in dry weather but it will return during wet weather. The following guide from the Minnesota DNR describes several families of native mosses. Some mosses like deeper shade than others. Try to plant your new moss in an area that corresponds to what it likes. You should be able to transplant moss or make a moss slurry. Treat your transplants as you would any new transplants, keeping them moist until they have a chance to settle in. http://files.dnr.state.mn.us/forestry/ecssilviculture/npc_plantID.pdf
The following reference from Gardening Know How discusses growing moss. Although not Minnesota specific, it contains excellent advice. Particularly note the moss slurry. It works - something we can't do with most other plants. You could make a moss slurry to propagate the moss you already have.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/foliage/moss/propagating-moss.htm

Pat M MN master gardener and TCA Replied May 16, 2019, 5:37 PM EDT

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