Hello plant lovers! I’ve been getting a lot of questions about where to find moss, so I put together this full guide based on my many years of working with these interesting plants. Let’s look at all the places where you can find lovely moss!
Quick Answer
You can get moss from:
- Local woods and forests
- Garden centers and nurseries
- Online specialty shops
- Your own backyard
- Buy from moss farmers
Finding Moss in Nature (My Favorite Method!)
When I go moss hunting in nature, here’s what I do
Best Places to Look
- Shaded forest areas
- North-facing slopes
- Areas near water sources
- Rock surfaces
- Old fallen logs
- Between grass patches
- Base of trees
Tips for Collecting Wild Moss
- Get permission if on private property
- Take only what you need
- Leave some behind for regrowth
- Collect from multiple spots
- Avoid protected areas
- Use clean tools
- Keep moss moist during transport
Buying Moss from Stores
If you’re not up for foraging, here’s where you can buy moss:
Local Garden Centers
Most garden centers carry these types
- Sheet moss
- Cushion moss
- Sphagnum moss
- Preserved moss
Online Sources
I’ve had good luck with these online options
- Amazon
- Etsy (lots of small moss farmers!)
- Specialty moss nurseries
- Garden supply websites
Growing Your Own Moss
Here’s my super simple method for growing moss:
What You’ll Need
- Shady spot
- Acidic soil (pH 5.0-6.0)
- Consistent moisture
- Patient attitude (moss grows slow!)
Basic Steps
- Choose your location
- Prepare the soil
- Get your moss starter
- Keep it moist
- Wait for it to establish
Types of Moss You Can Get
Different mosses work better in different situations:
| Moss Type | Best Used For | Difficulty Level |
|---|---|---|
| Sheet Moss | Ground cover | Easy |
| Cushion Moss | Rock gardens | Medium |
| Fern Moss | Terrariums | Easy |
| Hair Cap Moss | Shade gardens | Medium |
| Peat Moss | Soil amendment | Easy |
Tips for Success
From my experience, here’s what really matters:
- Keep it moist but not waterlogged
- Provide proper shade
- Don’t let it dry out
- Be patient – moss takes time
- Start small and expand
Common Mistakes to Avoid
We’ve all been there! Here’s what not to do:
- Don’t collect from protected areas
- Don’t take too much from one spot
- Don’t let it dry out completely
- Don’t expect instant results
- Don’t use chlorinated water
FAQs About Getting Moss
Q: Is it legal to collect moss from the wild?
A: Usually yes, but check local regulations and get permission on private property.
Q: How much moss should I collect?
A: Only take what you need – about 1 square foot per project is usually enough to start.
Q: How long does moss take to grow?
A: It depends, but expect 2-6 months for good establishment.
Cost Considerations
Here’s what you might expect to pay:
- Wild collected: Free (just your time)
- Garden center moss: $5-15 per square foot
- Specialty moss: $15-30 per square foot
- Online purchases: $10-25 per square foot plus shipping
Final Thoughts
Getting moss isn’t rocket science, but it does require some patience and care. Whether you’re foraging in the woods or ordering online, remember that moss is a slow-growing plant that rewards careful attention.
Even though I’ve worked with moss for years, I still get excited when I find a perfect patch in the wild or when my attempts to spread it work. Just remember to be responsible with how you collect and patient with your efforts to grow.
Leave a comment below if you need more specific help. I’d love to hear about your moss adventures and help you figure out any problems you’re having.
Until next time, happy moss hunting!
Note: This article was last updated July 2025 to reflect current availability and pricing.
#gardening #moss #plants #sustainable #nature
• Where can I Find Moss?
To find moss look for shady, moist areas in the backyard. Moss can grow on fallen logs, rocks, grown and even on the living trees. Check the valleys with water features, which have moist, shady environments.
Moss turns bright green with rain and the sunshine but it looks yellowish when dry and dormant. It is better to let the excess water from the ground to drain and then collect your moss sample. You can also connect with a local nursery to learn more about the places you can collect moss from.
• How is Purchased Moss Different From Foraged Moss?
Purchased moss is expensive, dry and can be difficult to work with. Foraged Moss, on the other hand, is cheap, doesn’t need any chemicals, and you can spend time with nature while you look for it.