Q. We are new to gardening in Washington where we get moss in our flowerbeds. After raking and breaking it up, is it important also to pick it up since so much mulch or soil clings to it? Rae Ann Merrill – Gig Harbor
A. Although moss is usually removed from lawns as well as garden beds I wouldn’t say removal from a garden bed is as important as from a lawn (unless you are starting plants from seed). This is because the moss shades the lawn even as it dies after being removed. What would be important is to determine if the conditions that promote the moss can be changed. After removing the moss (I would suggest composting it and then returning it to the beds) cultivate the surface to promote drainage. You will not likely see moss during the summer once you rake it out especially if the beds are sunny. Compaction, excess moisture as well as excessively low or high soil pH and poor fertility of the soil can promote moss so anything you do to mitigate these conditions will help. Optimal soil pH is between 6 and 7.