Seeds

• Although you can plant Irish moss seeds in the fall, most experts agree that Irish moss is better planted in early spring, either as a plant or by seed.
  
  Before the first frost, select a sunny area of your garden. Irish moss prefers a sandy, moist, but well-drained soil. If you live in a warmer climate, make sure your plants will be protected from the hot afternoon sun. If you live in a cooler climate, plant your Irish moss in full sun. Eliminate all weeds from your planting area. If necessary, add compost or sand to your soil to promote better drainage.
  
  Rake the soil smooth. Plant the Irish moss seeds one to two inches apart on the surface of the soil. Lightly cover with a mixture of soil and sand. Water well, but carefully, because Irish moss seeds float.
  
  Keep the soil moist during the winter and, because the seeds are planted so shallow, it will be necessary to protect the seeds from birds. Try placing a net over the planting area.
  
  The seeds will remain dormant until spring. Irish moss seeds germinate when the temperature reaches about 60 degrees F.
  
  You can also start the Irish moss plants indoors in the fall. Sow the seeds in peat pots filled with a sandy soil. Place near a sunny window and keep the soil moist. In the spring, after all danger of frost is past, transplant your Irish moss into the desired location in your garden.
  
  

Plants

• Full-grown Irish moss purchased from your garden store can be planted in the fall. Choose a location that gets partial sun in hot climates and full sun in cooler climates. Amend the soil with sand and compost to assure good drainage. Bury the plants at the same depth they were in their pots and about 12 inches apart. Water well. Irish moss is an evergreen and although it won't grow as rapidly during the winter, it should stay green.
  
  If you have existing Irish moss plants, fall is also the time to divide and replant. Simply cut away a section of the moss, or plug, and dig up the roots. Dig a hole large enough to easily accommodate the roots. Plant about 12 inches away from the mother plant. The division you made in the original clump will grow in quickly.