Re: Mulching over bulbs and perennials
- To: perennials@mallorn.com
- Subject: Re: Mulching over bulbs and perennials
- From: n*@ucsd.edu (Nan Sterman)
- Date: Tue, 17 Mar 1998 09:06:41 -0700
>I have several beds with roses, bulbs and perennials around my yard.
>This year, in an effort to reduce the need for weeding and watering, I
>am thinking of mulching these beds to a depth of 3-4 inches with
>shredded hardwood mulch. But I started wondering if that might prevent
>the perennials and bulbs from coming up.
>
>Also, I have heard advice to remove mulch in the fall, and to just pull
>it back from plants until the ground freezes (which I don't think it
>ever did this year!) and then put it back.
>
>Any input is appreciated.
>
>Greg in Chalfont, PA (zone 6/7)
>---------------------------------------------------------------------
Greg -- you'll have no problem mulchig right over the bulbs before they
come up and once they've gone dormant. For all other plants, be sure NOT
to mulch right up to the base of the plant. For most perennials, give them
at least 4 - 6" of open space around the stems, if your perennials are not
up yet, I'd suggest mulching up to 4 - 6" of where you expect them to come
up. Don't make them push through the mulch. Same with roses, trees,
shrubs, anything. Mulch is terrific over unplanted ground and up to the
drip line of the trees, etc. But if you get it too close to the stems, you
are inviting all kinds of insects, bacteria, fungus, etc., not to mention
the fact that it would limit air flow and could "waterlog" the stems. No
matter how you describe it, it would mean the eventual demise of the
plants.
With that caution, I say "go for it!" No better way to reduce the need for
weeding and watering, and at the same time, you get the added bonus of
building your soil!
Nan
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Nan Sterman, Master Composter in Residency
Olivenhain, California
Sunset Zone 24, USDA Zone 10b or 11
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So goes an old chinese proverb:
If you want to be happy for a few hours, get drunk;
If you want to be happy for a week-end get married;
If you want to be happy for a week, barbeque a pig;
If you want to be happy all your life long become a gardener
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