You don’t need to use harsh chemicals to rid your garden of moss ahead of spring.
Moss is a common sight in gardens across the country as spring approaches. It not only survives but it also thrives in winter conditions as it is able to tolerate low temperatures.
As gardeners look to getting their outdoor spaces ready for the warmer weather, moss will be one of the first things to be on the to-do list. Moss can be a potential hazard in gardens and paths as it can get very slippy in damp weather.
There are plenty of chemical solutions on the market which can get rid of it. But there are several natural ways to blitz it instead and these can also be cheaper than buying purpose-made moss killers.
Chris Bonnett, the founder of GardeningExpress.co.uk, says this is preferable to harsh chemicals as it will keep your plants and wildlife safe.
He said: “With the arrival of spring, we can expect rain showers and high humidity, which create the ideal conditions for moss growth.
“While moss growing on trees in your garden can be a charming sight, if you notice moss spreading on hard surfaces in your garden then it’s time to take action to prevent safety hazards,” reports The Express.
And one item many households will have in their fridges is excellent at banishing moss.
Chris recommends a can of fizzy cola as a budget-friendly way to remove it. Cola contains phosphoric acid, which attacks moss cells and prevents it from coming back.
To use fizzy cola to remove moss, all you need to do is pour the drink into a spray bottle, spray it on the moss, let it sit, wipe, and rinse with clean water.
However while this is useful on numerous surfaces, it shouldn’t be used on concrete as this is acid-sensitive.
There are other natural ways to tackle the moss and the good news is you probably already have them in your kitchen which means there is no need to spend money on a remedy.
Baking soda
Baking soda works perfectly at removing moss, even from large surfaces; just mix baking soda with a small amount of water to create a paste. Then apply the pasta to the affected areas, leave for a few hours, and then scrub off.
Salt
“A classic saltwater solution is great for tackling stubborn moss,” explains Chris: “Mix salt into warm water, spray the solution to the moss, and allow it to air dry. This process will dry out the moss, killing it in a natural way.”
White vinegar
One of the most versatile cleaning items, white vinegar can also be used to remove moss from your patios. Just mix equal parts white vinegar and water, spray the mixture onto the moss, leave it for 15 minutes, then scrub and rinse.
Lemon juice
The acidic nature of lemon juice makes it ideal for clearing moss from your pathways. Chris recommends applying concentrated lemon juice directly to the moss, then just scrub it off with a brush.
Dish soap
Dish soap is another kitchen item that will help clear up any moss. Chris explained: “A mix of gentle dish soap with water can help loosen moss and algae, making the removal process easier.
“Dilute the dish soap with water, typically using a ratio of 1 tablespoon of soap per gallon of water, spray it directly onto the moss covered area, let it sit and scrub it off.”
Boiling water
The final kitchen item that Chris recommends is boiling water, as the high temperature kills moss cells directly. After pouring the water on the moss, leave to dry and then scrub it with a brush to loosen and remove the dead moss.
