mulch/alfalfa
Hi,
I spent all my years growing Iris with no mulch other than perhaps some
weeds. I've learned in the last few years that for many of my Iris a mulch
really helps with some of the summer heat problems. I've been using pine
needles, because they are available, and they seem to work really nicely
here in the desert. They hold in some moisture, let in light, keep the
weeds down a little bit, and seem to keep the soil a little cooler. I've
found that the Daylilies and some of the other perennials appreciate them
too, even the Violets and Strawberries that come up where there is shade.
Of course in the dry climate here, they are still just dry pine needles
(prickly as ever), even after three years lying in a fairly well-watered
bed. I've thought about grinding them up (they are about 5 to 8 inches
long), but haven't bothered to try yet. Not sure if that would make them
better, or worse.
Dave
central NM
---------------------------------------------------------------------
To sign-off this list, send email to majordomo@hort.net with the
message text UNSUBSCRIBE IRIS
Other Mailing lists |
Author Index |
Date Index |
Subject Index |
Thread Index
