Best option for a flagstone area to get grass or moss grow?

Mir Graham
by Mir Graham
Hi, Fellow Hometalkers. What is the best option for a flagstone area to get grass or moss growing between the flagstone? The area has decomposed granite between the flagstone and was installed over builder sand and granite also. I found a small pic of the area-- it is a flagstone area that is 50' long and 30' wide. I live in Texas, so heat is always an issue where stone is concerned.
I appreciate your ideas!icon
  23 answers
  • Janet Pizaro Janet Pizaro on May 31, 2017

    Research plants called stepables for you hardiness zone

  • Marcie Marcie on May 31, 2017

    Moss is wonderful, as it has a shallow root system, which would be nice with the ground you're talking about. You can buy it at garden centers.

  • Jill Elizabeth Shields Jill Elizabeth Shields on Jun 01, 2017

    My friend used yoghurt to grow moss in her flagstone patio. She first planted some sphagnum moss in a small area. Once established she took a basting brush and added plain greek yoghurt to her brush then rubbed the top of the moss. Gathering her basting brush she basically painted the area between the flagstones continually replenishing with the yoghurt. Although it didn't happen overnight the moss eventually started growing. It now has filled in and looks great.

  • Jeanette S Jeanette S on Jun 01, 2017

    I have also read that you can use Buttermilk.


  • Lauren of Mom Home Guide Lauren of Mom Home Guide on Jun 01, 2017

    I have moss growing between my patio pavers and I don't want it! Moss loves moisture and shade, so if you provide some of both, moss might start growing naturally. Good luck!

    • Mae Tirevold Mae Tirevold on Jun 04, 2017

      I Have moss growing between my patio and at first I loved it. We also have landscape blocks terracing walls around our patio. These blocks have been overtaken by the moss as well as the ground. We are looking for ways to get rid of it so our blocks will look beautiful again. We live in Northern Minnesota and our mesquito, flies and all kind of bugs love the moss. Think twice before you plant moss. It spreads fast.

  • Nancy Nancy on Jun 01, 2017

    You don't have to mow moss!


    • Mir Graham Mir Graham on Jun 01, 2017

      Thats an excellent point. I just wonder how hard it would be to get it to grow. We don't usually have high humidity.

  • Jeannie.mcquaid Jeannie.mcquaid on Jun 01, 2017

    Too funny. I'm trying to get rid of grass and moss (and weeds) that insist on coming up between my flag pavers!!!

  • Tim Butler Tim Butler on Jun 01, 2017

    Moss is nice looking, but as stated above , it has a shallow root system.

    The moss can easily lift out with a dragged tennis shoe, or grand kids playing on the pavers!


    • Mir Graham Mir Graham on Jun 01, 2017

      That is one of my concerns, however the lower area of my yard is rarely used. I feel like it is a big blob of stone right now.

  • Carol westcott Carol westcott on Jun 01, 2017

    TRy using Thyme between the pavers. IT is low growing and needs very little water once established. It smells wonderful. IN the summer it may attract bees though

  • Dianne Leonetti Dianne Leonetti on Jun 01, 2017

    if you decide you want moss, take some, put it in a blender with water and give it a spin, then pour the liquid "moss" (actually spores) on your scratched up dirt. The spores will start growing for you and replicating the original moss!! You get more coverage for your money!

    • Mir Graham Mir Graham on Jun 01, 2017

      I am going to try this on a small section. By chance, do you know how long it took you to get it to start growing?

  • Patti Thornton Patti Thornton on Jun 01, 2017

    The moss is beautiful - I have "voluntary" moss in the cracks of my concrete flagstone style walkway. BUT the area is mostly shaded. The moss is bright green and beautiful right now because it has been a wet Spring - but by mid summer, unless I constantly dampen the area, it will dry out and disappear with the heat. I imagine that in Texas that would be an issue unless your area is shaded and you can water it every day.



  • Bonnie Bonnie on Jun 01, 2017

    Unless it's an area that stays fairly moist (or that you can water frequently) you may have trouble getting moss to live. Like others have mentioned, it has shallow roots, so it dries out quickly. This might be a problem in Texas; it sure can be an issue here in North Carolina! Janet has the right idea: check to see what will thrive in your area.

  • Trish Clark Trish Clark on Jun 01, 2017

    how about thyme or mind your own bussiness or thrift.....

  • Arekaybee Arekaybee on Jun 01, 2017

    You might consider a sedum. They are fast growing and there are types that spread and grow out rather than up. You can also add a little bit of color. I am a big fan, as you may be able to tell. Go Sedum.

    • Mir Graham Mir Graham on Jun 14, 2017

      I purchased some lemon sedum, and I am trying it on the outside of the area first. Thank you so much for the idea :)

  • Don't do grass.....you'll have to cut it! Moss and thyme is the way to go.

    • Mir Graham Mir Graham on Jun 14, 2017

      I am definitely going to try the thyme. The area is pretty hot and gets direct sun for most of the day, so I can't seem to get the moss to grow.

  • Jud8975646 Jud8975646 on Jun 01, 2017

    I love moss. BUT the area must be shaded all day. If it is on the north side of the house it may work. My brother & I have even gotten creative and used several types of moss. Moss never needs mowing or trimming and you never have to worry about chopping it off too short. Yes, I think in Texas you still will need to water it often, even if in the shade, unless it tends to be a rainy area. Texas is so big, I think it must have a few different climates!

  • Landsharkinnc Landsharkinnc on Jun 01, 2017

    In texas, and considering the substrata, I'd consider Thyme, and Greek Oregano, both can withstand the heat, dry climate, stay small and smell great when crushed.. Stepped on...plus you can pick for cooking!

  • Mir Graham Mir Graham on Jun 14, 2017

    What a great idea! I will try a patch and see if I can keep it growing. Thanks for the idea.

  • Serena Serena on Jul 09, 2017

    Moss! You dont have to constantly cut it either!

  • Leslie Lazzarini Leslie Lazzarini on Jul 09, 2017

    Just a heads up. I tried Elfin Thyme, grass and moss, none worked. I had the flagstone laid about an inch apart so I COULD grow something but unfortunately the flagstone got too hot and burned anything I tried there. I'm in the north bay CA and the flagstone was in full sun to dappled sun, nothing worked. I ended up putting in fake grass. It took me quite a while to hand cut all the pieces but that was three years ago and I am so glad I did it now. No maintenance, weeding, watering and it looks pretty good!

  • Redcatcec Redcatcec on Feb 13, 2024

    Either moss or thyme would make a low lying ground cover.

  • Johnavallance82 Johnavallance82 on Feb 13, 2024

    Dig out the gravel in between the stones and put earth and then water and seed. for moss add natural yoghurt into the cracks, and sprinkle water from time to time till established.