Saturday, April 9th, 2011
It’s spring and a young man’s (and woman’s) fancy turns to mulch. Not exactly what poets spill ink over, but it sure makes gardeners’ hearts beat faster. Mulching fortifies and protects the soil but there are also rumors lurking about its value.
Here are myths about mulching and information that will help you judge for yourself:
- Mulch causes termites. Most experts agree that high-quality bagged or nursery-bought bark mulch does not contain pests, such as termites. One study suggests using mulch sparingly near your home’s foundation to make it easier to look for problems.
- More mulch is better. Too much mulching can prevent water and aeration from reaching the soil. The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) recommends 2 to 4 inches for most mulch materials.
- Keep mulch away from trees. Mulch builds a barrier around trees that prevents damage from mowers and trimmers. But stay away from piling it up near the trunk; instead, aim for 2 to 4 inches spread out from the tree.
The NRCS says the simple mulching process is one of the best things you can do for your garden. Learn more mulching methods and facts from this U.S. Department of Agriculture website.
Posted Saturday, April 9th, 2011, 3:19 pm | Home, Yard Work | Follow Responses via RSS | Trackback |
Tags: garden, gardening, Home, mulch, soil, work, yard
