Moss treatment Q

I have an area in my garden with heavy moss infestation...I have applied iron sulphate however I don't know how many applications should I do and how to spot when the infestation is over?

Cheers Nicholas

 

If you applied it correctly the moss will turn black and then after around 2 weeks after application you can rake it out.
Depending on why it’s there the chances are it will reappear at the end of the season so it’s a case of treating the area again either with another iron treatment or a feed that contains iron.
Any chance you could post a picture?
Do you feed your lawn?

 

Sorry for hijacking but what's the best way to apply sulphate.

 

Is this aimed at grass only?
If so most tend to be applied with a sprayer, you mix the iron sulphate following the recommended amount as per package instructions with some warm water in a pump spray and then spray it on. It can be done with watering can too but a pump sprayer is easier.
Don’t forget iron stains, be careful around patios and stepping on it and walking across paths or indoors.
There are granular products that can be applied with a spreader but most are dissolvable products.

 

I get my iron sulphate from "my favorite gardening store," eBay.

You can pay silly prices for the stuff.

Moss Killer Lawn Tonic 2kg - Sulphate of Iron - Soluble Ferrous Sulphate | eBay

It's good as a general lawn fertilizer and at a more concentrated rate, kills the moss. I use a watering can with a fine rose. I've been using it for several years.

"It does what it says on the tin." well.. the plastic bag. No fancy packaging. 2kg for £6.99.

Look..No moss! I took this on Saturday.

 

That will have a NPK of 0.0.0. So it’s best to use a fertiliser along side as too much iron can go against what you are trying to achieve and can create a thin sword and poor drought resistance. The only time when iron is used long term would be when soil tests show a Ph level of 7 and above and when there’s iron chlorosis and that’s rare.
Chlorosis is when the turf is showing signs of lack of nitrogen and a fertiliser is applied and the turf fails to respond, Iron is then applied. If iron fails then it’s a Mg issue and that can be tested with Epsom salts.
Iron is a micronutrient like manganese, zinc,copper, boron and molybdenum and so it’s important to apply a good fertiliser with NPK levels to keep the turf healthy along side an iron treatment.

 

I'm looking to get rid of moss patches. Is sulphate harmful to shrubs and other plants?

 

The golden rule is to only spray what you need to, you should be able to avoid shrubs ie not covering them in spray. This applies to weed and feeds, herbicides, whatever you plan on doing.
While iron is not particularly harmful to shrubs if you follow the advice above it insures no harm is done.