How do you mix a moss milkshake?

[David Young]

So, we want to get moss growing on some rocks in our garden, and I
understand that there's a formula for making a slurry, or "moss
milkshake" that is smeared on the rock to get the moss going. Anyone
have the formula?? Thanks much!

David Young -- dyo...@ablecom.net -- dyo...@netcom.com

[halifax]

I don't know of an actually tested formula, but I have used the "moss
milkshake" several times and have successfully introduced moss
onto two Japanese concrete lanterns and several rocks. It does take
several years before a decent colony is established though. Anyway,
I simply took a handful of moss growing in the garden and added milk.
I used different types of moss; for example, moss growing beneath trees
amd moss on the lawn. This way I thought I had a better chance of finding
a moss that would do well in the new location. I sometimes used sporophyting
moss and sometimes not. I don't think it matters because many moss can
reproduce vegetatively from gametophyte fragments, sort of like taking
cuttings. As for the milk, I use whatever was in the fridge (past due date, 'cause
I'm cheap). I've never put it in a blender. I just break up a handful of moss
into a large cup/mug. About a pint size (half a liter). I fill up the mug with milk.
Swish it around with a fork. Take slurry to the new moss site. Dripple it all onto
the rock or Japanese lantern. I leave the clumps of moss on the rock or lantern.
It looks messy.
The only secret I can pass on is that moss needs a moist place to grow. Thus,
the moss has taken well on the north side (no kidding, the boy scouts were
right) of the Japanese lantern roof but not on the south side.
Anyway, hope this helps

Dave
Vancouver, BC (Agriculture Canada Zone 9)

[Jason Woodrow]

As I understand it, mix some moss into a container of buttermilk and then paint
the slurry onto the rock or clay pot. I'm not sure if the rock or pot should be
moistened first, it seeems like the milk would do that.

-Jason Woodrow

[dr deb]

The article I read about it was not distinct about measurements.
SOmething like...scrape some moss from the stone, blend (in a blender)
with some buttermilk, and paint the mixture on the surface that it is to
grow on. But MAN! Beware of the smell after a few days (which will surely
dissipate). Sorry I have no more specific information, and I haven't
tried it, either. Would it need to be warm outside for this to work?

Deb
The Armchair Gardener
http://www.fsu.edu:80/~dansley/

[STEVE LANHAM]

yes just take some moss add to milk in a blender mix till you get a
water like mix smear. if it is wet or damp the moss will grow. "fast"
hope this helps steve l

[STEVE LANHAM]

[STEVE LANHAM]

yes just ann moss to milk in a blender and mix+smear