[Steveharford]

Had to clear out someone's gutters recently. Most of which was moss which had come down off the roof. I have kept it because I thought maybe it would make or add to some good compost. What do others think?

[mumofstig]

it doesn't rot down in the compost bin, so you just spread it over the plot when you spread the finished compost 
http://chat.allotment-garden.org/index.php?topic=92529.msg1028945#msg1028945

[3 allotments]

Couldon't you use it for lining bottom of hanging baskets maybe as it would hold the moisture as they always need watering

[diospyros]

I can't quite believe, though am quite happy to be put right, that a moss species which found its ecological niche growing on what is effectively bare rock (a roof) or a bog (the gutter) would adapt to growing on the soil of a properly maintained veg plot, or would create a nuisance if it did.  After all, it spreads by spores, these must be all over the place in order to have found their way up onto the roof to start with, so why aren't they already growing in the veg plot if that's what they like?  Or do we think that once the plants have established they are then capable of carrying on in the soil?

Hang on, there's another thread somewhere about lowering pH to grow potatoes, and I said don't use sphagnum 'cos of habitat destruction blah di blah, now surely roof moss couldn't possibly carry on growing if it was buried in a trench with seed potatoes?

[RJR_38]

Large areas of my weed covered plot were also coveted in moss when I took it over. I couldn't tell you if it was the same variety as 'roof moss' but it was thriving!
,

[diospyros]

Large areas of my weed covered plot were also coveted in moss when I took it over. I couldn't tell you if it was the same variety as 'roof moss' but it was thriving!
,

The salient point being "weed covered".  Would still like to hear of a case where it was an ongrowing weed problem in cultivated land.

[RJR_38]

Very true. But it didn't rot down well - I originally just dug it into the soil but I was still finding massive clumps 6 months later so I ended up taking it out.

[Goosegirl]

I used it as part of a mulch and it spread, so had to hoick it out, so I wouldn't use it on the soil.

[Steveharford]

Hmm maybe I will just hide it in the bottom of the bean trench or the bottom of pots and bags when I plant my early spuds.

[savbo]

I'd be with diospyros on this - and bear in mind the earlier thread was lawn moss, not roof moss - roof/gutter moss is usually the cushion-forming type, often with quite a bit of 'soil' developing at its base. I have often composted gutter clearings and not experienced any problems yet.

sav

[sunshineband]

My grand daughters use cushions of this roof moss to make rather lovely Easter gardens on plates