In the last year, many people have picked up new and enriching hobbies. Gardening is one of the most popular choices among them. You get to nurture a living thing from a seed and watch it grow to its full potential.
Sometimes, however, keeping track of everything your little green buddies require to reach full bloom can be difficult. Luckily, some fuzzy friends can help you give your plants what they need. Below is a guide to how gardening with moss helps your garden thrive.
Moss Can Indicate Disease in Trees
The growth of moss can sometimes indicate disease in various types of plants and trees. For instance, if you start to notice an overgrowth of moss on your favorite oak tree, this might be a sign that the tree is sick or dying.
Of course, moss overgrowth on trees and plants doesn’t automatically point to illness, as moss can develop without taking nutrients from another source. But, in some cases, it can indicate that a tree is in poor health: when there are fewer leaves on the branches, more sunlight will hit the bark, creating an ideal space for moss to prosper.
Moss Provides More Nutrients to Potted Plants
Moss can also serve as a potent fertilizer for your potted plants. Putting a layer of moss over the soil in your pots can help the plants succeed, as the moss will retain each drop of nutrients and return them to the ground. In this way, the plant is not only benefiting from the extra nutrients but also receiving a boost of moisture. This can be especially helpful if you wish to have a thriving garden but your time to care for each of your plants is limited.
Moss Serves as a Great Home for Beneficial Insects
Moss also attracts certain types of insects that are directly beneficial to the health of a garden. When you think of insects, your mind probably leads you to thoughts of creepy-crawlers that you would rather not find in your house. When it comes to gardening, though, some of these creatures will keep your plants free of harmful pests and diseases.
For example, moss makes a perfect dwelling for spiders and worms, two insects that keep the harmful bugs away and ensure your soil stays nutrient rich. Furthermore, moss attracts lightning bugs, which are whimsical reminders that nature is beautiful.
Gardening is an incredible and rewarding way to spend your free time. You get to watch something burst forth from a seed and grow to full fruition. Even better, there are so many creative ways to provide your plants with everything they need to flourish. With these tips on how gardening with moss helps your garden thrive, you can do even more for the health of your plants!