Mulch Use


Compost Questions

Container Gardening

What are the benefits of using mulch?

Weed Control: Mulches deny light to weed seedlings that they need to germinate.

Temperature Control: Mulches insulate plants from drastic temperature changes, keeping them cooler in the summer months and warmer in the winter months.

Attractive Appearance: Mulches provide a neat, uniform look to your landscape.

Moisture Retention: Mulches reduce the speed of water evaporation while keeping an even supply of water on the upper levels of the soil.

Prevention of Compaction: Mulches break the falls of water drops, which can cause the soil to compact and inhibit plant growth.

Soil Texture Improvement: Mulches benefit soil, for example, clay soils get improved aeration and sandy soils retain water better.

How much should I apply?

Answer: Apply the mulch evenly 2 to 4 inches deep. Level the mulch by raking or with your hands. A four inch depth is an excellent weed deterent.

Don't pack the mulch down. Leave room around the plant stems and tree trunks. After application, wet the mulch thoroughly, and then pull the mulch back a few inches away from the plant stems and trunks. This allows adequate air circulation to the base of the plant.

When Should I apply Mulch?

Answer: Spring and Fall are the ideal times to apply mulch. This will help reduce soil temperature, save water, and pevent weeds.

How long does the mulch retain its color?

Answer: Colored mulch will typically maintain its color for more than a year.

Hint: To make mulch appear brighter, use a rake to fluff. By raking, the mulch on the under side is brought to the top.

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What are the benefits of using compost based soils?

Answer: Compost soils help improve soil structure, porosity, and density-this creates a better environment for plant growth. (See the US Composting Council web site for more benefits)

Should I use compost soil to top dress areas of my
yard that are very sandy?

Answer: Yes. Comost soil will improve the water holding capacity and also add viable nutrients that are necessary to growing a healthy lawn.

Is it better to buy a soil product in bags or bulk?

Answer: It is up to the individual person. We recommend buying products in bulk when doing a larger yard project: top dressing, making new beds or establishing a garden. Bags are handy when repotting plants, adding additional soil to flower beds or when little soil product is needed.

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Containers

Avoid containers with narrow openings.
Cheap plastic pots may deteriorate in UV sunlight and terracotta pots dry out rapidly. Glazed ceramic pots are excellent choices but require several drainage holes.
Wooden containers are susceptible to rot. Redwood and cedar are relatively rot resistant and can be used without staining or painting. Avoid wood treated with creosote, penta or other toxic compounds since the vapors can damage the plants. One advantage of wooden containers is that they can be built to sizes and shapes that suit the location.
Use containers between 15 and 120 quarts capacity. Small pots restrict the root area and dry out very quickly. The size and number of plants to be grown will determine the size of the container used. Deep rooted vegetables require deep pots.

Drainage

Make sure your planting medium drains rapidly but retains enough moisture to keep the roots evenly moist. Your compost will make an excellent potting soil. Check the requirements of the plants you grow to determine whether you will need to add sand. Most container gardeners have found that a "soilless" potting mix works best. In addition to draining quickly, "soilless" mixes are lightweight and free from soil- borne diseases and weed seeds.

Fertilizer

Since potting mixes drain water rapidly, fertilizer will be washed out of the container as you water. Lighter mixes will require more frequent fertilizing than heavier mixes. It's a good idea to use a dilute liquid fertilizer with every other watering. Liquid fish emulsion or liquid seaweed are great plant boosters, but remember that you need to provide your plants with a variety of nutrients. Check the labels on the products in you garden center to be sure that they contain a complete, balanced solution that includes trace elements.

Watering

In an exposed location, container plants lose moisture quickly. Some plants will need to be watered daily, especially during hot, dry weather.

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