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Re: bark mulch

Hi Bob,
        Composted hardwood bark shouldn't smell that strong.  You're
right...It's probably not very good for vegetables, but excellent for
azaleas, magnolias, and other Southern acid loving shrubs.  If you decide to
proceed with your plan, put all your fireplace ashes on the newly covered
area.  They will help to neutrialize the acidic effect.

Kathy (meistrel@nwark.com) in Fayetteville, Arkansas---Zone 6


>I just bought a trucload of black bark mulch, from hardwoods.
>It is 1+ year old, and has gone from brown to black color. The
>smell (strong!) is vinegary. Very acidic, i would guess.
>
>Our vegetable beds are 6' x 6'. My questions are: we are planning to
>lay some of the mulch on each bed, over the winter, then spade it to
>12" deep (i.e., mix it in). How much should I put? Our soil is good
>southern red CLAY. Also, has anyone done this, and how much lime
>might I want to add to this?
>
>I assume that it is NOT a good mulch for the vegetables. Is it ok for
>flowers, shrubs and trees, as is?
>
>Thanks.
>
>Bob Strauss
>
>====================================================================
>Bob Strauss      "Duke of URL"                   Cataloger
>Hunter Library                                   Western Carolina U.
>strauss@wcu.edu
>--------------------------------------------------------------------
>Observations from the edge:
>1. If "men are from Mars," and "women are from Venus," are dogs
>   from Pluto?
>2. Why is leap year in February?! If we were sensible, we would
>   put it in July, so we could have another day of summer, instead
>   of another day of winter.
>   Better yet, put it in December, so every four years we could
>   get an extra day of paid holiday!
>
>                               --Bob Strauss, 8/97
>====================================================================
>
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