Got moss in your garden?
That’s not necessarily a bad thing. This fascinating plant has some amazing properties which can make it a boon in the garden as well as a viable compost material.
In this post, we’ll cover some of the benefits of moss for gardeners even before it’s composted. We’ll also look at some of the challenges of composting moss, and how to overcome them.
Contents
What is Moss?
Moss is a type of plant that grows in damp and shady places. It has no true roots, stems or leaves, but instead consists of small green shoots that grow close together.
It also has some amazing benefits for gardeners and soils.
It is often the first plant to colonise ground, and can release nutrients from the soil. One 2019 study by Mahrup et al found that moss can improve soil structure and increase nutrition uptake. The difference was significant – with corn growing 4mm a day faster when growing with moss.
Moss is often said to have a high lignin content which slows the decomposition and breakdown. However, some studies have challenged this. For example, one study by Erickson et al found that 6 mosses were devoid of lignin. However, mosses may have a lignin-like structure which slows decomposition.
Can You Compost Moss?
Yes! Moss (living or dead) is composed of organic matter just like any other plant. It will break down over time in the compost pile, adding nitrogen and other nutrients to the mix. However, the process can take quite a bit longer than with other compost materials. In fact, some composters report that it can take a year or more to completely decompose.
That said, I’ve added small amounts of compost to my own compost pile many times (albeit well mixed in with other materials) and have found that after hot composting AND a decent maturation time, there is usually little sign of it in the finished product.
Benefits of Composting Moss
As with all compost, composted moss helps the garden in a number of ways:
- Improves soil structure: The decomposed material helps improve soil structure by increasing air pockets and drainage in compacted soils.
- Adds nutrients: As moss breaks down, it releases nitrogen and other essential nutrients into the soil which can help promote healthy plant growth.
- Reduces waste: By composting moss instead of throwing it away, you’re helping reduce waste while also creating a valuable resource for your garden.
Learn more about the benefits of composting.
Tips For Composting Moss
- Although some moss does not have lignin, its cell wall structure can still slow down decomposition. As with other tough materials, shred or chop up large pieces before adding them to your compost pile to speed up decomposition.
- Make sure your compost pile has enough moisture so that the moss doesn’t dry out too quickly; if necessary add water regularly during dry spells.
- Add plenty of carbon-rich materials such as wood chips or shredded newspaper to balance out the high nitrogen content of the moss.
- If you have large amounts of moss to compost, consider composting it in a seperate bin to allow for the longer break down time.
Wrapping up
Composting moss is a great way to recycle organic matter while also improving your soil’s fertility and structure at the same time. However, given the benefits it has to the soil and plants, it might just be worth leaving it where it is at times!
FAQs
Is moss good for compost?
Yes, moss is good for compost as it adds valuable nutrients like nitrogen. However, its tougher structure means it takes longer to break down. If you want smooth, mature compost, consider composting moss separately to accommodate its slower decomposition.
Can moss from rooves be composted?
Yes, moss from roofs can be composted like garden moss, as it is also organic material. However, check for debris or contaminants, such as roofing chemicals or pollutants, which may not be suitable for composting.
Does moss make compost acidic?
While moss thrives in acidic soil, most moss itself isn’t highly acidic. However, species like sphagnum moss can slightly lower the pH of compost over time. This is usually only a concern if you’re composting large amounts. To balance acidity, consider adding alkaline materials like crushed eggshells or garden lime.