moss in containers

Filey

I grow a lot of things long term in containers. Fruit trees in dustbins, perennial herbs etc. I notice there is moss growing in thick mats where the soil is uncovered. Moss is also growing on the mortar and over the bricks on the shady side of a retaining wall and on rough concrete steps in the shade.

It isn't just a thin coating either. It is a thick mat which on close inspection is made up of little furry branchlets. I can scrape it off the concrete and bricks but other than repotting the smaller plants what do I need to do to discourage it in the first place. Is there something I need to water with, or add the the soil? Is there a spray for the concrete.

I have to confess my garden has been rather neglected this past year as I have been physically unable to tend to it. I don't have a lawn with moss in it fortunately. The chickens have seen to that! I have been in this house for quite a few years and have never known everything to be as mossy as it is now.

All your anti-moss suggestions will be gratefully received.

freezspirit

iron sulphate but I think that's only for lawns to control it?

forgotmyname

Pull up what you can and cover the surface with a layer of newspaper or weed barrier and put pebbles or bark on the top?