May 2008

By Donnie Dabbs, General Mgr.

Mulch is simply put - a protective layer. Whether it's with organic compost, wood chips or similar products, mulching is one of the most important and simplest aspects of keeping your garden in good condition. Besides giving your garden a 'finished' look, properly applied, mulch will cut down on weeds, maintain soil temperature, retain moisture and reduce erosion. It should be spread around the base of trees, in planter beds and even on your lawn in either the fall or spring.

Compost is one of nature's best mulches and soil amendments. It helps sandy soil retain water and assists in breaking down clay soil. Natural mulches slowly decompose providing organic matter that promotes root growth and increases the moisture capacity of the soil. It not only improves the soil structure but also is an excellent source of nutrients.

When purchasing compost, it's important to be careful about your selection. Make sure that you're dealing with a reputable company who produces a quality product in either bulk or bagged form. Compost generally consists of a collection of lawn clippings and trimmings from a multitude of locations. If this mix isn't brought to the proper temperature during the composting process, it could still contain viable seeds that will germinate in your garden after application. Noxious weeds and other pests can easily be spread this way.

Remember to prepare the area by removing any weeds before spreading mulch and to keep the material away from the base of existing plants to help prevent diseases. Mulch applied in the fall can be used as an insulating layer. Applied in the spring after the soil has begun to warm, it acts to promote moisture retention and keeps the soil cooler. A minimum 3-inch layer after settling is sufficient to keep most annual weed seedlings from pushing through.

Most lawns naturally thin out in the cooler months. To prepare for spring growth, spread an even layer of compost to add nutrients to the soil. Begin by removing broadleaf weeds, crabgrass and leaf trash from the lawn. Spreading an herbicide at this time will help keep weeds under control. Cover with an even layer of compost and water thoroughly to give your yard a jump-start to spring.

With all the rain we've received this winter, most of the salts have been leached out of the soil. It's time to think about fertilizing your garden before you apply compost. Do your spring fertilizing with composted chicken manure to help develop a strong root system. On a side note, once it's been composted, chicken manure, which is high in nitrogen, isn't very odiferous. As a matter of fact, chicken manure is one of the secrets used by cut flower growers to produce large, beautiful, abundant flowers.

No matter the type of mulch you use, organic or non-organic, compost, bark or wood chips, it's important to make sure that it's done and done properly. As we come into the warmer season and more time is spent on outdoor activities, it's important that your garden look good. It's even better if it can be done with little maintenance. Applying mulch now will minimize weeding time later and will also help conserve water.