Re: mulch

> Interesting so many of you use assorted mulches *because* they take a
> long time to break down.
Marge, I find Pinebark a happy medium for that.  It does break down and feed
the soil, but not so rapidly that I'd replace it every 3 months like Pam.  I
could never afford that!  Every spring I add to it and in fall I catch the
thin spots.
Kitty

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Marge Talt" <mtalt@clubhouse-designs.com>
To: <gardenchat@hort.net>
Sent: Tuesday, May 11, 2004 12:08 AM
Subject: Re: [CHAT] mulch


> > From: Kitty <kmrsy@comcast.net>
> > Ooooooh!  Pine Bark Fines - love that stuff.
> ----------
>
> Me, too, but not as a mulch...use it as an amendment and in making my
> potting mix.  Wunnerful stuff!  I have to drive over to Virginia to
> get my hands on it and it ain't real cheap, either.
>
> Interesting so many of you use assorted mulches *because* they take a
> long time to break down.   I mulch with stuff I want to break down to
> improve the soil.  Figure it ought to break down in a year...after a
> season it isn't going to stop 'weeds' (whether Ma Nature's or my own
> plants) from sprouting as seeds get blown into any mulch and
> sprout....so, what's the point of having something that doesn't break
> down???
>
> Auralie, I generally mulch with rotted wood chips or chopped leaves.
> I'll used bagged fine pine bark when I am low on those or need to
> mulch a bed fast and don't have time (or energy) for sifting wood
> chips or chopping leaves.  I generally sift my chips to get the
> bigger pieces out - use those on paths, but find them obtrusive in a
> bed.
>
> Once plants start to grow and fill a bed,  I don't have to do much
> mulching.  Ma Nature sort of takes care of it for me; just leave most
> of the leaf fall there to rot away under the plants who hide it.
>
> Do think keeping ground covered with something organic is a very good
> plan...feeds the soil critters; keeps the soil temperatures more
> moderated; keeps the soil from compacting from the impact of rainfall
> and makes it easier to pull whatever seeds into an area that you
> don't want there.
>
> Marge Talt, zone 7 Maryland
> mtalt@hort.net
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