89 lines
5.0 KiB
Plaintext
89 lines
5.0 KiB
Plaintext
MULCHES SERVE MANY PURPOSES
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A mulch is a layer of peat moss, shredded bark or any similar material spread
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on the surface of the soil under and around plants. The application of mulches
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has many advantages such as improving plant growth, enhancing the appearance of
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the landscape and reducing time spent in maintenance.
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Value of Mulches
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The most common reason for using a mulch is that it will eliminate or at least
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retard weeds. Where the mulch layer is sufficiently deep, few weeds will grow.
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By reducing the amount of soil water evaporation, mulches conserve moisture,
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which is particularly important during droughty periods of the growing season.
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Mulches aid in maintaining a uniform soil temperature. They act as insulation in
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keeping the soil warmer during cool spells and cooler during the warm months of
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the year. By maintaining uniform soil temperatures, freeze-thaw cycles during
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winter are retarded, and heaving of perennial plants is reduced.
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Mulching materials increase water-holding capacity of light, sandy soils and increase aeration of heavy clay soils as they gradually become
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mixed with the basic soil.
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Organic mulches serve as food for many micro-organisms found in the soil. During
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decomposition of the organic material, soil micro-organisms secrete a sticky
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material that promotes the granulation of the soil. The mulch also maintains
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more stable temperatures so the actively of the micro-organism can prevail
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at an even rate.
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Mulching aids in preventing surface soil erosion, particularly if mulch has been
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established a few weeks.
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In addition, mulches help keep leaves, flowers, and fruits free from soil, which
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is important with strawberries, tomatoes, rock garden plants, etc.
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Application of Mulches
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The time to apply a mulch is in mid-spring when the soil has sufficiently warmed
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up for active root growth. As applied before this, the mulch will keep the ground
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cool and root growth may be slow. If planting is done in autumn, apply the mulch immediately so that the soil temperature
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will be kept warmer longer.
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Most mulches should be applied at least 2 to 3 inches deep over the whole area.
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Herbaceous plants that require winter protection may need an additional 1 to 2
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inches in autumn around the crown or base of the plant.
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Problem of Mulches
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Weed seeds maybe introduced into the landscape with hay, straw and strawy manure and may serve as a source of weeds.
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Various kinds of hulls or corn cobs may have grain or seed mixed in.
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Molds often develop on cocoa bean and buckwheat hulls when they are kept too moist or in shady locations. Stirring the
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surface of the mulch to aid in drying will eliminate molds.
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Several materials used for mulching require an addition of fertilizer to reduce
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the chance of nitrogen deficiency of the growing plants. Wood chips, sawdust,
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crushed corncobs, straw and shredded bark need additions of fertilizer. Apply
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a complete lawn or garden fertilizer at the rate of 2 pounds per 100 square feet
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before application of the mulch. If the foliage of the plants become yellow
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during the growing season, additional fertilizer should be applied.
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Types of mulches
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Sphagnum peat moss is generally available and ideal for mulching evergreens and
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other plants that grow best in acid soil. Its color is pleasing, it is free of
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weed seeds, and it remains effective for one to two years,'depending on the
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thickness applied.
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Shredded bark makes an excellent mulch that lasts as long or longer than peat
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moss. Bark chunks are available in various sizes and are valuable in beautification.
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Straw is used for winter protection and as a summer mulch in fruits and vegetable plantings. It may carry weed seeds and is
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flammable, so use it away from areas where cigarettes may be thrown.
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Crushed stone, gravel chip and pebbles are excellent in the landscape for effect in highlighting plants or garden features. They
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are available in various colors and can be selected to blend in with the features of the home, patio or landscape.
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Black polyethylene is used primarily in vegetable gardens, and both black and clear poly have been used in landscaping.
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Neither should be used in the landscape, however, as drying is reduced and wet soils and woody plants are not compatible.
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Crushed corncobs are used extremely extensively in some areas but do require supplemental fertilizer applications.
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Buckwheat hulls are fine textured and may blow in windy areas but have a good neutral color and are long lasting.
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Sawdust is commonly used where readily available. Nitrogen deficiency is almost certain if fertilizer is not applied regularly.
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Wood chips or shavings decompose slowly and may need additional fertilizer.
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Fiberglass mats, inorganic in nature, will not rot, corrode or burn and are long lasting but should be covered with bark or
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similar organic mulch. Salt hay, spent hops, lawn clippings, leaves, sugar cane, cocoa-bean hulls, leaf mold and paper pulp
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have all been satisfactorily used for mulching and, if available, should be considered. |