This is a 15 hp (10 p) thesis in biology at the programme for Horticulture Management at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Alnarp. In this literature study we have processed, reviewed and arranged facts and research, to make it more available for those who want to know more about establishment or cultivation of mosses. Our client is Fredriksdal’s Museums and Gardens in Helsingborg who are planning to establish a moss garden. The information is meant to be used by Fredriksdal and other similar facilities. It also meant to be a help for the development of commercial moss cultivation in the future.
In a commercial cultivation, mosses can be grown in relatively constant conditions. The shade needed in nature can be replaced by a nutrient fog and a high humidity. Mosses don’t need high temperatures to grow, which imply that they can be cultivated in a frost free greenhouse throughout the year. This is why moss cultivation could present an additional job during the low season.
It is difficult to find a substrate that works for all moss species, since the pH-value is important during the establishment of the moss. Another difficulty to overcome in greenhouse and outdoor milieu is how the watering systems should be arranged. Many mosses prefer to grow in an acid environment, which means that the presence of minerals, chlorine and fluorine in tap water can be a problem. This problem is easily evaded if rainwater is used instead.
When working with small-scale establishment, mosses are most often transplanted directly to the spot where they will later grow. This ensures establishment of the moss since large slabs can be used, e. g. instead of small dried-up moss pieces which are spread out for vegetative propagation.
Small scale establishment of a moss garden has been recommended to Fredriksdal. During the first three years the care for the moss garden will be extensive. It will include keeping the area clean from leaves, weeds and branches. Gradually, the mosses will become more competitive and the care will in time decrease.
The proposed moss garden is divided into four rooms. All rooms are inspired by natural environments where mosses prefer to grow; a spruce forest, a gully, a deciduous forest and a wetland. The four rooms are described in detail and important components and moss species are listed aiming to create the right atmosphere. For example, the...
