Re: covering rhizomes, rot (was Vita Sackville-West's Lamen

In a message dated 96-09-03 11:42:30 EDT, you write:

>BUT invariably it is in the rhizomes that have too much soil 
>over them or some wet covering like leaves or trash.  I'll still opt 
>for the traditionalist way here:  keep that soil off.  I would think, 
>though, that the type of soil might make some difference.  If your 
>soil is lighter and sandy it wouldn't hold the moisture that creates 
>the problem.

Keep in mind, it's not the water that contributes to rot, it's the lack of
air caused by water filling all the air space.  Which injures the plant,
letting rot organisms get in.  The rot bacteria are there all the time.  So,
if the soil is coarse enough, it will be less likely to be saturated with
water, even when it rains a lot.   However, dump a nice impervious layer on
top (like wet leaves or muck or plastic) and no matter how coarse the soil
is, it can be saturated right next to the rhizome.

I made some of that up.

Linda Mann lmann76543@aol.com east TN USA
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