New Zealand Sphagnum Moss Use

[Becca]

Okay I have a general question. Yes another question! I bought some New Zealand Sphagnum Moss to try on a few on my seedlings and I was told to wet it and put it outside in the sun with a black plastic bag over it. The only problem is it is nice and rainy for the next few days and I want to repott some of my seedlings now. Do I need the heat? I soaked the moss overnight and then read that I could just use warm/hot water from the faucet, but it is kinda late for now. Will it be fine the way I did it or will it not hold it's moisture because I didn't soak it in warm water?

[Lagoon]

That sure seems like a lot of trouble - What's the heat for??
After I finish soaking it in a large bowl, sorta toss and turn. I squeeze any excess water out, cut it up some and put it to work.
If you have never used this moss before - Be careful, this moss can contain some very sharp pieces of twigs. I Wear rubber gloves while handling this type of moss.

[Becca]

I was told the heat was for helping the moss to absorb the moisture. I did see twigs in the batch I have so I will be careful. I will go ahead a squeez the excess water out and use it. Thanks a bunch!

[Ray]

I agree with Gloria - if the moss is loose to start with.

I buy 5 kg VERY compressed bales of sphagnum, and literally saw it into approximately 1-pound "bricks". I pour boiling water over them to get them to absorb quickly. Cold water will work, but just takes longer.