Re: Mulching over bulbs and perennials
Hi, Greg -- here in Chicago, I mulch all the beds, after the soil has
warmed thoroughly and the spring cultivating, planting, and fertilizing
is complete. 2-3 inches of good fine mulch definitely keeps the weeds
down, helps with moisture, and gives a finished look as well. You're
right, in the fall, we pull it back to recultivate, clean up the debris,
put down some manure & other amendments, then remulch after the first
hard freeze. Up to 3 inches will not stop the bulbs from coming up. And
the mulch is placed around, not over, the crowns of perennials in order
not to smother the plants.
Only caveat is that some insects will find ideal homes in the mulch --
slugs & such -- and you may need to deal with them. Also, if the
material is not thoroughly aged, some extra nitrogen may be in order to
avoid leaching from the soil as the mulch breaks down. I use alfalfa
meal in addition to regular garden feeds -- it helps break down the
material more quickly as well as adding nitrogen and other good stuff.
Anne LD
Greg Wertz wrote:
>
> 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)
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