Moss in the garden: methods to eliminate it and keep it from returning
Moss is a true wonder of nature, but sometimes, it can become a nuisance in our gardens that we need to eliminate. Moss can be found growing in all types of environments and, especially when wet, can become slippery and pose a health and safety risk. So, how can unwanted moss be eliminated? Well, there are several methods you can try:
Remove moss manually
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The first way to remove moss is manually, especially if the space affected is not that large or difficult to work in. In the case of small clearings or driveways, lift up the patches of moss using special tools: you can get moss-removing shovels that have very sharp edges to do this job quickly and effectively.
The roots of moss are very shallow so, lifting a clod will almost certainly eliminate the moss completely. And this job is even easier when the soil is still moist.
Another manual way to remove moss is to use a pressure washer on it: the pressurized water jet will remove moss from hard-to-reach crevices too.
Other moss-removal solutions
An obvious moss-removal method is to use a commercial or DIY herbicide. But before applying any product, clear the area to be treated first: sweep up any debris and loose dirt, leaving only the moss behind. Once this is done, move on to protecting the surrounding/adjacent ground with plastic sheets.
To make a DIY moss herbicide, mix 240 ml of bleach, 4 liters of water and 230 ml of dishwashing liquid (or Marseille soap) in a bucket. Make sure you're wearing gloves for this task.
Transfer some of this mixture into a large spray bottle, and spray on the moss you want to eradicate. Take care not to do this on a windy day, and avoid spraying from too far away from the moss (especially if your valuable plants are nearby).
Wait 5-10 minutes for the bleach to take effect, then use the hose (or a pressure washer) to wash away all the moss that you have treated, channeling the run-off away from your other plants. Using this method, the moss should not return for about a year.
Have you ever tried this method before?
