How to Grow Irish Moss in Sand
Irish moss, also known as Sagina, isn't really a moss at all. It is a low-growing groundcover with dense, lime-green leaves that form carpet-like mounds no more than two to four inches in height. In the summer, Irish moss blooms with tiny white flowers. Irish moss is commonly used in rock gardens and between paving stones; it grows best in well-drained, sandy soil that needs to be kept moist at all times. Growing Irish moss in sand isn't a stretch, then, as long as you make sure the sand doesn't dry out or become saturated.
Pour sand into plant beds, two inches lower than you want the the top of the bed to be. If your plot of ground is already composed of sand, clear away two inches from the surface, or allow for a tw-inch layer of soil mix to be added to the surface.
- Irish moss, also known as Sagina, isn't really a moss at all.
- If your plot of ground is already composed of sand, clear away two inches from the surface, or allow for a tw-inch layer of soil mix to be added to the surface.
In a bucket or wheelbarrow, mix equal parts of sand and topsoil. Pour the mixture on top of the sand in the plant beds. If you're planting your Irish moss between paving stones or bricks, just pour in the 50-50 mix of potting soil and sand.
Plant tiny clumps of Irish moss by sticking your finger in the sand-soil mixture to a depth of about one inch and plugging the holes with the clumps. Plants should be put into the ground about 8 to 12 inches apart. If planting seeds, sprinkle the seeds on the sand-soil mixture and then cover them completely with a thin layer of sand.
Water gently and thoroughly. If you planted seeds, consider using a mister to prevent the seeds from being washed away.
- In a bucket or wheelbarrow, mix equal parts of sand and topsoil.
- Plant tiny clumps of Irish moss by sticking your finger in the sand-soil mixture to a depth of about one inch and plugging the holes with the clumps.
Make sure the sand remains moist at all times. Don't let it dry out, even on the surface, but by the same token don't saturate it with water. Sand allows excellent drainage, but not if there's too much water, which could lead to root rot.
Tip
Fertilize your plant shortly after planting, with liquid fertilizer, following the directions on the package. Use an organic fertilizer.
Irish moss thrives in USDA zones 6 through 9.
Warning
Irish moss is very susceptible to damage from slugs, so sprinkle snail bait around the plants as soon as you get them in the ground. Aphids are another pest to watch out for.
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References
Tips
- Fertilize your plant shortly after planting, with liquid fertilizer, following the directions on the package. Use an organic fertilizer.
- Irish moss thrives in USDA zones 6 through 9.
Warnings
- Irish moss is very susceptible to damage from slugs, so sprinkle snail bait around the plants as soon as you get them in the ground. Aphids are another pest to watch out for.
Writer Bio
Thomas K. Arnold is publisher and editorial director of "Home Media Magazine" and a regular contributor to "Variety." He is a former editorial writer for U-T San Diego. He also has written for "San Diego Magazine," "USA Today" and the Copley News Service. Arnold attended San Diego State University.
