Moss – How to Grow

Q: We recently put in a koi pond and want to grow moss on some of the stones. If you pour milk on the rocks, will moss grow?

A: Some folks have reported success at growing moss on stones by briefly “pulsing” a handful of moss in a kitchen blender filled with buttermilk. The resulting green slurry is spread over the area and kept moist for several weeks. A new product is Moss Milkshake (www.mossacres.com), which contains moss particles, acidifying compounds and a water-absorbing gel. According to instructions, it can be mixed with water and applied anywhere you want moss. Remember that constant moisture is critical at first. Keep a garden sprayer filled with clean water near your mossy spot and spray at least once a day.