Re: no-til, mulch

Hi Barbara.  You can use compost as mulch but if you've already got a good
cycle of uncomposted mulch going, then don't waste the stuff.  The idea is
to keep adding layers of mulch so that the bottom layer is compost and the
upper layers are on their way.  You don't need to add finished compost once
this process is in place.

The various layers will soak up some water but, yeah, most of the
composting activity will take place in winter when it rains.  You want to
water to help the plants; the mulch can take care of itself and it will
break down some.  I'd just keep it moist enough not to blow away or look
crapy if it's in a place where that matters (unless the layers near the
soil surface are dry).

Hope this helps.

Cyndi

_______________________________________________________________________________
Oakland, California            Zone 9 USDA; Zone 16 Sunset Western Garden Guide
Chemically sensitive/disabled - Organic Gardening only by choice and neccessity
_______________________________________________________________________________
"There's nothing wrong with me.  Maybe there's                     Cyndi Norman
something wrong with the universe." (ST:TNG)           cyndi@consultclarity.com
                                                         http://www.tikvah.com/
_________________ Owner of the Immune Website & Lists http://www.immuneweb.org/
Other Mailing lists | Author Index | Date Index | Subject Index | Thread Index