Moss - Growing moss in the vegetable garden as a weed inhibitor. Could this be a problem?

by Jay
(Stanford, California, USA)

I am experimenting with perennial and annual ecosystem gardening using moss as a weed inhibitor. The idea is that I grow clover anywhere that is far enough away from plants to fix nitrogen, and then close to the plants I grow moss as moss has little to no root structure it shouldn't prevent the vegetables from growing big and strong, and it seems that the moss is easy to remove as it doesn't seem to grow very strong in this sunny location and it comes out in mats.

So my question is weather or not there would be any problem in regards to the plants and especially the vegetables. Could moss be poisonous, and could water passing through the moss leach into the root systems of the plants and put a chemical in the vegetables that would be bad for us to eat?

In other words is there any reason not to experiment with using moss as a weed inhibitor in my garden?

Comments for Moss - Growing moss in the vegetable garden as a weed inhibitor. Could this be a problem?

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May 24, 2010
Moss in the vegetable garden
by: Anonymous

I have composted a great deal and water generously.

Because of this moss grows on the surface without me trying to get it to.

I'm still alive, so I guess it isn't poisonous.

I would be very interested to know if it is helpful or harmful to the plants I'm growing.

Jun 17, 2010
Moss in the vegetable garden
by: Megan

Sounds an interesting idea, and I certainly don't know of any poisons or harmful effects that moss could impart to vegetables.

Weeds can still grow through moss unless it's a very dense mat, and weed seeds landing on moss would find a good home.

Whether there is more benefit using moss instead of mulch, paper etc to stop weeds who knows? Most gardeners wouldn't have access to quantities of moss for a start. So please let us know how your experiment goes.

Moss thrives in acidic soils so you might have trouble keeping moss in alkaline garden areas.

May 07, 2012
Glad your trying this NEW
by: Joel Clark

I have read a great deal on these subjects but find much error in published information esp on the internet.

I'm beginning to think the only way to know the truth is to try it as you have.

As you I'm still trying things including moss and have found no particular down side. Perhaps for some plant but I've not see it yet.

Feel free to look me up or friend me on FB or Linkedin. http://joelclark.com

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