Ballasting for moss Growth
Posted: Wed Aug 25, 2021 9:53 pm
Whats the best method of Ballasting Sm32 track for moss and plant growth, I really want the look of overgrown track on my Garden railway.
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So it doesnt matter what the Ballast is made of as long as its in a shady area?ge_rik wrote: ↑Wed Aug 25, 2021 10:03 pm I have no difficulty growing moss on my track. In fact I sometimes have too much and it causes derailments.
Moss loves damp and shady areas. It doesn't tend to grow on the section of my railway which gets the most sun. My suggestion would be to either build your railway in the shadier parts of your garden or plant shrubs which give it plenty of shade.
Rik
Correct, but it needs to be shady and damp, and depending on the local conditions in your area may take a year or two to get going. i.e if you live in a generally mossy surrounding area, there is a much higher chance of moss spores finding a home on your ballast. You can encourage the growth by painting the area with yoghurt (AFTER the glue has dried!).
Moss probably prefers ballast which is fixed in place either with cement (as in my case) or SBR (as suggested by Peter) rather than loose or 'floating' ballast (though someone may refute this). I've tried using exterior PVA but not had much success. My preferred method of ballasting now uses a mix of horticultural grit and cement (3:1 mix). Mixing some peat with it might encourage the moss to take root more quickly.
I think I will try this when I get around to building the railwayge_rik wrote: ↑Thu Aug 26, 2021 4:11 pm I have also heard garden railway modellers proclaiming the virtues of hypertufa, which can be made by mixing cement with peat or other organic materials. I've not tried it myself as I don't need to.
You could always try planting ground cover such as Mind Your Own Business (aka Hens and chicks or baby's tears). I bought one small pot of it about fifteen years ago and it's now spread all over the garden. Like moss it thrives in shady damp areas.
IMG_20210826_155753.jpg
Corsican mint is another good low growing ground cover plant. I also have something which looks like camomile which is self seeded.
IMG_20210826_155808.jpg
Rik