How to Ship Moss: An Effective and Safe Guide and Tips to Ship Live Moss
How to ship moss- Wrap the moss in damp paper towels, cover it with a ziplock bag or saran wrap, get an appropriate item to pack it in, secure it in a shipping box, then find a shipping company or courier service.
Mosses are popular plants among gardeners, homeowners, and plant collectors.
Most people use them to create terrariums, rock gardens, bonsai soil covers, and other gardening projects.
Have you found yourself asking how to ship moss?
If so, this article is what you need.
Keep reading to get complete guidance about proper packaging and handy tips to ensure your plant survives shipping.
Table of Contents
What You Need to Prepare
How to Pack Moss
In this guide, you will learn how to ship moss safely and efficiently, like a pro. By following these steps, you can minimize the risk of damage during shipping.
1. Prepare the Moss to be Shipped
Moss needs moisture to thrive.
You will need to wrap the moss in damp paper towels.
Damp paper towels will release moisture for the moss while in transit.
If your plant is going a long distance, you can add two or three layers of damp paper towels.
2. Wrap the Moss for Moisture Retention
Put the wrapped moss in a ziplock bag(s) or cover it with saran wrap.
A ziplock bag or saran wrap holds the plant’s moisture and insulates it.
If using a ziplock bag, remove as much air as possible and seal.
If you are using saran wrap, wrap the moss loosely.
3. Get an Appropriate Item to Put the Wrapped Moss
As mentioned earlier, if you are sending a large specimen, put the wrapped moss in a partitioned or corrugated box.
If your moss is small, you can ship it in a zip lock bag or saran wrap.
4. Box the Moss
Whether using a ziplock bag or a corrugated box, putting the contents in a different shipping box is always best for safer transport.
You can make a few small holes on the shipping box’s sides to allow airflow, especially if it is in transit in hot weather.
Line your shipping box with the cushioning material of choice.
Put the packaged moss in the cushioned box and add extra cushioning if necessary.
If you shake your box and feel the package moving, you should add more cushioning.
Ensure not to overstuff the box to ensure that your moss has room to breathe.
Seal your box properly using an ‘H” sealing method to ensure that the flaps and seams are sturdy.
5. Label Your Package
Label your package with vital details prominently and properly on the longest side of your shipping box.
You must include details of the recipient and the shipping address.
You should also label the package as “Live Plants,” “Handle with Care,” “Fragile,” or “Do Not Delay.”
Such labeling details will ensure that your package is not mishandled, preventing possible damage and delay.
You can have two labels or throw one inside if one is damaged or comes off.
Always place a clear strip of packaging tape on printed labels to prevent details from smearing.
You can also label with a heavy black marker to ensure everything is visible.
6. You’re Ready to Go
Now your moss is ready to be shipped.
The only thing remaining is to bring it to your courier, shipping company, or post office or wait for the postman to pick it up.
How Much Does it Cost to Ship Moss?
The shipping cost will depend on your service, package size or weight, and destination.
You can use USPS, FedEx, or UPS.
Generally, you should be ready with $5-$30. But always have an allowance for more.
Heavier and large packages are more expensive to ship than light and small packages.
You should avoid sending your moss in planters, which adds to the weight.
You will pay less with standard service than with express service.
You will have to pay more if you want your shipment to arrive in hours, overnight, or in a day.
An international shipment will also be pricier than a domestic shipment.
Shipment will usually take 2-5 days, depending on the destination.
The Cheapest Way to Ship Moss
You can ship moss cheaply using USPS.
You, however, should know that there are several approaches to USPS shipping.
There are also restrictions you may have to follow.
You can get a flat rate with their Priority mail, and your shipment will arrive within a day.
For less than a pound, you can ship at less than $10.
Their Priority Mail Express is pricier, and you may have to pay about $20 for a pound.
You can also use Priority Mail’s flat rate and pay slightly more than $10.
You can get free shipping boxes for Priority Mail Express and Priority Mail services, but you must use the USPS labels.
* Get discounted rate by using Pirate Ship to print your label. Find out more.
Final Thoughts
Many people use moss plants for various gardening projects, and one may need to ship the plant.
Even though they are hardy plants, mosses need proper packaging to ensure they do not dry out and survive shipping rigors.
If you ever need to ship moss to someone, I hope this guide will be helpful.
I also hope the tips will be practical to avoid challenges and unhappy recipients.
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