Is Sphagnum Moss Good to Cover Strawberries?

Preparing a Bed

• The key to successful strawberry production is rich soil, lots of moisture, and a healthy bed that is weed-free. These conditions can be achieved by mulching with a substance that retains moisture and kills weeds, such as with sphagnum moss, straw, or peat. Some experts suggest a perfect blend of 1/2 builders sand, 1/4 peat or sphagnum moss, and 1/4 top soil for planting strawberries. The result is a bed free of weeds, with berries that are clean and dry.

Benefits of Sphagnum Moss

• Sphagnum moss is especially useful for keeping strawberry plants moist and establishing an acidic soil. If planting must be delayed, you can save strawberry plants by placing sphagnum moss around their roots and storing in a plastic bag in the refrigerator, which will protect the plants for as long as two weeks. Mulching with any substance serves to cool the soil and keep weeds out. Sphagnum moss is acidic and will keep pH below 7. This is appropriate for strawberries, which prefer a pH between 6.0 and 6.8

Mulch Reapplication

• Reapply mulch as needed over the bed, but do not create a layer deeper than 3 inches. Too much mulch in wet or rainy areas can lead to waterlogged soil. Due to its long fibers, sphagnum moss does not readily decompose, so frequent applications may not be necessary. Growers often recommend use sphagnum moss for strawberries, but other mulches such as straw work as well. Like sphagnum, straw protects against winter damage, conserves soil moisture, and combats weeds with similar success.

Strawberry Care

• Mulch is not absolutely necessary for successful strawberry growing, but it can help boost production and lengthen lifespan. With good mulching and healthy plants, beds may keep producing for up to five years. Sow strawberry seeds in soil in early spring, and space plants 12 to 18 inches apart. Full sun and well-draining soil are key to happy strawberry plants.