MOSS is like the soft, green carpet of the plant world – but it can be a nightmare for Brits trying to fix up their garden.
But one green-fingered man has nailed the formula thanks to a common household item which will only set you back a quid.
“Laundry detergent is an affordable and efficient way to tackle moss,” Steven Bell, the Managing Director of Paving Shopper, champions this method.
“The beauty of this approach is that it requires no scrubbing; nature does the heavy lifting with the help of rainfall.
“Simply scatter the laundry detergent over the mossy patches when they’re dry, and let the upcoming rain wash it away.
“This method is straightforward and kind to the environment, posing no threat to the adjacent grass or plant life.”
Homeowners are urged to create a solution using the laundry detergent and water before spraying generously on the affected area.
It can take several days for the moss to disappear.
He continued: “This approach is not only wallet-friendly but also gentle on the paving materials.
“Moreover, it’s a safe method for the surrounding garden areas. I’ve personally applied biodegradable washing powder on a large area afflicted with moss, sprinkled it across, and left it.
“Two years on, and the moss has yet to make a return.”
Moss may be small, but it plays a big role in your garden’s ecosystem – so you don’t want to kill it off totally.
Unlike most plants, it doesn’t have roots, stems, or flowers.
Instead, it consists of tiny leaf-like structures that soak up moisture and nutrients from the air and rain.
It helps retain moisture in the soil, preventing erosion and creating a cosy habitat for beneficial insects like beetles and spiders.
Plus, its spongy texture provides a comfy cushion for tiny critters to rest and hide.
Another cheap solution according to gardening expert Craig Morley is to stir two to three tablespoons of bicarbonate of soda into around a litre of water until it has dissolved.
While more commonly used as a product in baking, it can also be effective when used in the garden – and can be bought for as little as just 62p from your local supermarket.
“On a dry day when there is ideally no rain forecast for the next few days, coat the moss with this solution, making sure that you avoid getting it onto grass or other plants,” he says.
“After a few days, the moss should begin to turn brown and dry up, after which it can be raked away or dug up.”
The gardening pro also recommends diluting a tablespoon of white vinegar in a few litres of water, and filling a spray bottle with the mixture.
“Spray the water and vinegar mixture directly onto moss patches, and keep applying it daily until the moss dies,” he says.
“If the moss still remains after a few days, try adding a little more vinegar to the mixture.”
After the vinegar solution has killed the moss, Craig advises raking it away or digging it up from your garden.
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