Don’t Forget to Mulch!
Posted by Rick RiceMulching is one of the most important ways to maintain healthy landscape plants. Mulch is any material applied to the soil surface for protection or improvement of the area covered. Mulching is really nature’s idea. Nature produces large quantities of mulch all the time with fallen leaves, needles, twigs, pieces of bark, spent flower blossoms, fallen fruit and other organic material. When applied correctly, hardwood mulch has the following beneficial effects on plants and soil:
Mulch provides moisture control for the roots of the plants.
Mulch helps to control weeds, especially when used in conjunction with a pre-emergent.
Mulch keeps the soil cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter, thus maintaining a more even soil temperature.It also helps to keep sensitive roots from freezing in the winter and protects the root system from the cold and dry winter winds.
Mulch helps to prevent soil splashing, which not only stops erosion but keeps soil-borne diseases from splashing up onto the plants.
Mulch improves the soil structure. As the mulch decays, the material becomes topsoil. Decaying mulch also adds nutrients to the soil.
Mulch prevents crusting of the soil surface and soil compaction, thus improving the absorption and movement of water and oxygen through the soil.
Mulch prevents the trunks of trees and shrubs from damage by lawn equipment.
Mulches adds to the beauty of the landscape by providing a cover of uniform color and interesting texture to the surface. Please note that the red mulch does not compliment the landscape but rather detracts from it.
Mulched plants have more roots than plants that are not mulched, because they will produce additional roots in the mulch that surrounds them.
Able Landscape Company recommends a 2″-3″ layer of mulch at all times on all landscape beds. We use only the best hardwood dyed mulch.
Rick Rice
1. they’ll have a site for the closest large city plobabry Midland. Lots of free or for-trade stuff!!2. As-is stores for the Goodwill, Salvation Army -this is the last stop for Goodwill stuff if no-one buys it. I’ve got pots and seed trays there for close to nothing.3. still have to pay for shipping ($7.95 per unit usually two plants) but I’ve received items in good condition from that company. Check it out!4. Get online and look for rabbitries, stables, etc, and offer to haul off manure for them they will be glad to get rid of it, but you have to provide the shovel, wheelbarrow, and vehicle. Just use a piece of plastic to protect your van or car if it needs to go inside anything other than a truck.5. I have heard you can buy seeds at Wal-Mart on food stamps, but I have not personally tried this.6. Free tools can often be found in the junky parts of town near the end of the month, when people are getting evicted and can’t take everything just scan the alleys and front yards on garbage day. But do it early before the truck comes. Techincally any garbage put in or near a can belongs to the garbage company go figure why they would care is beyond me I’ve never had a problem but just be aware of the rule.HAVE FUN!! Starting a veggie garden is great exercise and so healthy for your family! Good job!