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I've started up a pot of Basil sprouts indoors under a lamp, and it seems like some moss is beginning to grow around them. Is there anything wrong with having moss in the same pot? Any problems with competition, or weird flavorings?

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    Indoors, moss will compete with seedlings and hinder their growth. For outdoors moss is a great addition where you can get it to grow.
    – kevinskio ♦
    Commented Jan 12, 2015 at 17:37
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    Competition from other plants, access to water, not too hot, not too cold. This would be a good question to ask..
    – kevinskio ♦
    Commented Jan 12, 2015 at 19:15
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    With seedlings they need all the help they can get to grow. Outdoors, moss tends to be out competed by other plants and has to be nurtured along if you want to cultivate it
    – kevinskio ♦
    Commented Jan 12, 2015 at 20:28
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    Ah, so it's more about the relative strengths of the plants, rather than specifically being indoors or outdoors
    – John Walthour
    Commented Jan 12, 2015 at 21:57
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    Have had same issue with an outdoor thyme plant but the moss doesn't seem to be hurting anything.
    – Raydot
    Commented Jan 12, 2015 at 22:56

2 Answers 2

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Moss on an indoor pot is a sign that the mix surface is constantly damp, and that isn't good. Use a fork or toothpick or something, and stir up the top layer to get rid of it. Always allow the top 1/2" or so to dry between waterings.

Competition shouldn't be a problem except for very small seedlings, and the flavor should be fine.

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The moss you are talking about is bad any way you look at it:

  • It must stay wet to grow, so it will harbor fungi.
  • It will take nutrients away from the plant you are trying to grow.
  • Some bugs use it for a place to lay eggs.

To get rid of it, lightly pinch it out and replace with dry fresh dirt. Do not stir it back in the dirt, because when the conditions get right again it will just start to grow again.

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  • If you allow the top 1/2" of mix to dry between waterings, the moss won't be a problem.
    – J. Musser
    Commented Jan 15, 2015 at 17:31

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