Why You Should Use Irish Moss To Fill In Bare Patches In Your Yard Or Garden

Irish moss (Sagina subulata) is a great choice if you're aiming for that soft, dense, low-growing mat that stays close to the ground. Whether it's for those little gaps between stepping stones, bare patches under shrubs, or other tricky spots, Irish moss does the job beautifully. This moss-like plant only grows about an inch high, forming a vibrant green layer that stays lush year-round. When spring and summer arrive, it even sprinkles in some tiny white flowers, adding a subtle charm that's perfect for a variety of garden styles or spicing up a boring garden.

But Irish moss isn't just pretty -– it's functional too. Its dense foliage helps lock moisture into the soil, which cuts down on how often you'll need to water it. If you're trying to reduce your water footprint, especially in the hot months, this could be a good choice for you. It's low-maintenance as well, so if you're not keen on a lot of upkeep, Irish moss lets you have a lush-looking garden with minimal effort. Even better, it's sturdy enough to handle light foot traffic, so it works nicely for filling spaces between pavers or covering areas that might get a bit of use here and there.

An added bonus is that unlike some ground covers that tend to take over, Irish moss isn't invasive, so you can plant it without worrying it'll spread where you don't want it. That alone makes it a friendlier addition to any garden or yard, especially if you're looking to fill in those tough-to-grow areas while keeping the rest of your yard safe from overgrowth.

First, pick the right spot. Irish moss does best in partial to full sun, though it'll tolerate a bit of light shade, too. Just make sure it gets at least a few hours of sunlight a day. It also needs well-drained soil, as it won't thrive if it's sitting in water for too long. A little prep work can go a long way, so loosen the top layer of soil and clear out any weeds or debris before you start planting.

Now, when it comes to planting, you've got a couple of options. You can go with seeds (you can get PLATAGO Irish Moss seeds for planting in your lawn or garden), plugs, or small clumps from a garden center. For seeds, lightly scatter them on the soil's surface, pressing them in gently without burying them, since they need light to germinate. If you're using plugs or clumps, space each about 6 to 12 inches apart. They'll gradually spread and fill in, creating a nice, even cover over time.

As for watering, give the area a good soak right after planting to help everything settle. In the first few weeks, keep the soil consistently moist — but be careful not to waterlog it. Once you have successfully grown Irish moss, it becomes fairly drought-tolerant, though a bit of watering during dry spells will keep it looking its best.