Moss hard to remove; if you can't beat it, enjoy it

Q. How do I get rid of moss?A. Since Mother Nature dislikes bare patches of soil, she fills in exposed areas with plants - or weeds - depending on your viewpoint. Moss happens to be nature's favorite filler for shady areas. Since moss obtains all its nutrients from the air (moss has no true roots), it requires nothing more than shade, acidic soil, and adequate moisture to flourish. While removing moss works in the short term, it will continue to come back as long as your soil meets its criteria for growing. Therefore, you have to treat the cause, not the symptoms. There are several steps you can take to prevent moss:bull;Prune trees and shrubs that shade your flower bed. bull;Get a soil test. Adjust your soil's fertility and pH based on the test's recommendations. If your flower bed contains acid-loving plants such as rhododendrons and azaleas, you may not want to add lime to your soil. bull;If you have compacted, poorly drained soil, dig in 1 to 2 inches of compost to improve the soil's fertility and ability to regulate moisture. During dry periods in the spring and summer months, water your flower beds for 30 minutes once or twice a week instead of for a few minutes each day. This allows the soil to dry between watering and also encourages plants to develop more extensive root systems. bull;Perhaps the best solution is to beat nature at her own game is filling bare spots with low-growing ground covers that perform well in shade such as lungwort (Pulmonaria spp.), ginger (Asarum spp.), and liriope (Liriope spp.).If all else fails, try to enjoy the moss for what it is - a self-planting, maintenance-free, no-mowing ground cover. Unlike grass that turns browns in winter, moss actually likes colder temperatures and stays green all winter. What's more, moss is quickly becoming a desirable alternative to grass and is widely used in shaded slopes, pathways, water gardens, and rock gardens. For centuries the Japanese have known what we are finally realizing - moss can add an amazing degree of serenity and timeless beauty to any garden.Q. I've been reading that mushroom compost is beneficial to use in the garden. What exactly is mushroom compost? A. Mushroom compost, a by-product of mushroom farming, is good, organic compost. If used properly, it can improve plant growth in poor or marginal soils by improving the structure of clay soils, reducing surface crusting and compaction and therefore improving drainage. By increasing beneficial soil microbial activity, it provides nutrients to plants which can reduce the need for fertilizer. The visual appearance of a good quality, thoroughly processed mushroom compost typically resembles dark topsoil, has a loose crumbly structure, and has an "earthy" aroma.It is an excellent mulch for fruit and vegetables, annual and herbaceous borders by keeping down weeds, and can also be mixed with topsoil to create a growing medium that's great for growing flowers. It can be used on lawns as a top dressing in the winter. Since it is nonburning, it won't hurt stems.#160; However, since mushroom compost tends to have a slightly alkaline effect on the soil, it is not recommended as a compost for "lime haters" such as camellias, azaleas and rhododendrons. bull; Provided by Mary Boldan and Donna Siemro, University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners. Send questions to Ask a Master Gardener, c/o Friendship Park Conservatory, 395 W. Algonquin Road, Des Plaines, IL 60016, (847) 298-3502 or via e-mail to cookcountymg@sbcglobal.net.