re Mulching

[Bette]

I have seen several lovely homes in our area and they seem to have a dark mulch around their trees and flower beds.

Does this truly keep the weeds down? Should we mulch in the Fall or Spring?

Bette

[Stu]

Mulching can help keep the weeds down due to cutting down on the light, but is best if an anti weed membrane is used undernieth. In the end weeds will grow anywhere and can start from seeds spread by wind, insects & birds. It is however a lot easier to pull out weeds in the mulch compared to soil, as they are less likely to break off and regrow. If you are trying to be cost effective try using bin bags with tiny drain holes in them. I have used expensive membrane that some weeds actuall grew through. Not sure best time to mulch as I bough it in a massive bag from a farm.

Stu

[Phisherman]

Yes! It also conserves water and adds nutrients (if the mulch is an organic mulch.)

Doesn't matter. Do not pile mulch against the bark as this can cause disease. Some mulch can be stinky so it might be better to mulch in the season that windows are closed.

[Bette]

Thank you both for wonderful hints. This is so much more helpful than googling. Bette My husband thanks you too

[William Wagner]

Also good to keep mulch away from your house a foot or two. Termites like a direct connection to the earth. Deprive them.

Bill who lets wood chips rot and then walks on them as a path then adds to our flower beds. Time and energy and chips = soil. Magic ; ))

[Bette]

Ah yes, termites. We live in Pa I will have to check my zone. This year I purchsed several hanging pots and had them hung on those black metal thingies with two places for a vining Geranium.

Also I have found that my impatience did well, as long as I watered, not letting them dry out. I use Miracle Grow. Any suggestions as to what might be more effective.

Our neighbor uses liquid manuer. Actually it comes in a power form then water is added, smelling just as gross. But, the plants have doubled in size. What a garden she has. Thanks for your info. Bette

[scfundogs]

It keeps weeds down, doesn't eliminate them, even with landscape fabric underneath. The weeding is minimal though compared to my unmulched areas. There's another benefit that people sometimes overlook and that's the moisture protection. I water my mulched beds once a week and my unmulched plantings every other day.

-- Tara

[Bette]

Thanks Tara. We have well water, would that cause a problem? bette

[scfundogs]

I don't know why it would. I was just remarking that mulch saves me time & money (I'm on city water) in lowering the frequency that I have to water my plants.

- Tara

[Bette]

We have a system that removes the bacteria. That was probably a silly question on my part. Thanks. b.