Moss in sand plunges

[Alex]

A quick question for your consideration - does anyone have a particularly good approach for dealing with the growth of algae and moss on moist sand plunges? Is there an algicide or similar, or is it just scraping off the top cm every year? I am plagued and need help!

Thanks,

Alex

[annew]

I use the scraping off method, Alex.

[Martinr]

I'm another scraper, straight from plunge to compost heap

[Maggi Young]

We've never thought of doing anything other than scraping it off.
We're not keen on chemical treatments for that sort of thing unless it is absolutely necessary and I don't think that anything like that would be any easier in the long run than scraping it off, anyway.
If you do it when the sand is on the dry side it is easy to do, takes away less of the sand and, as Martin says, it can go on the compost heap- where a good hot heap will soon break it down - and then it will eventually return to use in a mix or mulch. 

[mark smyth]

I have found that moss, off the shed roof, in my compost bins doesnt break down

[Maggi Young]

We have no longer got a lawn to rake moss out of, but it will break down in a good hot,  mixed compost heap, as will the fat cushion type off a roof.... it is all a question of mixing it through with other materials and getting a sufficient heat in your heap.... yes, heat in the heap is the key!!

[Lesley Cox]

You can simply turn it in. Moss and liverworts and the like need light and air to survive. If you use a small fork or other tool and turn them under to a depth of about 3-5 cms, they will die and you have fresh sand on top. It's not difficult, even among plunged pots. If you want to be sure they'll die, you could paint then with half and half vinegar and water first, using a small size house painting brush, say 1.5 or 2cms wide in the bristles.

[Alex]

Thank you very much to all for your extremely helpful replies - everyone in agreement so I'll get scraping!

Cheers,

Alex

[Liz Mills]

I too had often wondered about how to get rid off the moss/algae.  I do scrape it off but hadn't realised I could safely add it to the compost heap.  I think I'll need to adopt Lesley's method though for I don't think my heap generates enough heat.  Thanks to everyone.