Instructions for Sagina Subulata Care

Growing Requirements and Spacing

• You can grow Scotch moss in light shade or full sun. This moisture-loving plant thrives in a consistently damp growing environment, but the area must drain well. Standing water and waterlogged soil can cause root rot problems. Scotch moss grows 1 inch tall with a spread of 12 inches and holds up well under light foot traffic. To establish a dense, consistent ground cover, space Scotch moss 6 to 12 inches apart at planting time.

Weeding and Watering

• Scotch moss and other ground covers create a low-growing cover on the soil that suppresses some weeds, but unwanted plants are still likely to grow through. Keep areas planted with Scotch moss healthy and vigorous by removing any weeds by hand. Avoid using sharp tools that can damage the shallow root system. Water once a week soaking the area with a soaker hose or a sprinkler system until the soil is thoroughly damp. In hot weather, you may have to water more often. Feel the top of the soil, when it starts to feel dry, soak the area.

Fertilizer

• Fertilize Scotch moss once a year in early spring using a 5-10-10 or a 5-10-5 fertilizer. Use 2 to 4 pounds of fertilizer for each 100 square feet of garden area. Scatter the fertilizer evenly over the Scotch moss and other ground covers in the area. Water right away to wash the fertilizer off the leaves and dampen the soil. Using a sprinkler system, soak the area with 1/2 to 1 inch of water to thoroughly dampen the soil when applying fertilizer. When establishing new plants, wait to fertilize Scotch moss until the spring of the second growing season.

Dividing and Pruning

• Cut back any dead foliage and flower stalks in late winter using a pair of garden shears. It's a good practice to disinfect your tools between plants to avoid spreading disease. Dip pruning shears in a solution made up of one part bleach and three parts water. Scotch moss spreads through a creeping root growth. To control spread, dig out any plants that are growing beyond the garden bed area. You can divide Scotch moss every two to three years to propagate the plants or thin out an area, but in established areas where it is growing well, dividing isn't required.

Pests and Problems

• Scotch moss is relatively disease free, but some pests can damage the plants. Keep an eye out for cutworms, slugs and snails. Cutworms will chew through the stalks at the soil line or farther up the plant. Look for 1- to 2-inch-long caterpillars on affected plants and remove them by hand. Inspect Scotch moss for slugs and snails and remove any you find by hand. Cutworms as well as slugs and snails are particularly active at night, so hunting them with a flashlight after dark is effective. Look for and remove cutworms, slugs and snails daily when you notice an infestation. Even in the absence of one, conduct regular weekly checks.