RE: Winterizing Garden/Straw as mulch

I usually cut most of my perennials down to no higher than 6 inches above
the ground. Then I cover the entire beds. I didn't use it last year and lost
all my delphenium here in Connecticut (zone 5/6).

Some of my plants don't absolutely need it but I apply it anyway rather than
pick and choose. For instance almost nothing will kill my peonies now that
they're established, but it help get them through their first couple of
winters.

In my area the mulch helps protect them from root damage through our usual
winters of freezing and thawing. It allows the ground to stay frozen. I
prefer straw over hay because of fewer weed seeds.

However, I have experienced a downside. It seems in my area slugs like
living amongst the straw. And it can mat down a little through the winter.
But, generally it works for me.

I have heard one of the best choices is salt marsh hay. Most of the critters
and weeds that would be among it won't survive well in a normal home garden
so you won't be buying new problems.

-----Original Message-----
From:	owner-perennials@mallorn.com [owner-perennials@mallorn.com] On
Behalf Of Pesznecker, Sue
Sent:	Monday, September 14, 1998 1:15 PM
To:	'Perennials'
Subject:	FW: Winterizing Garden/Straw as mulch

Do you cover the entire plant with a heap of straw, or just pack it in
around the base??

SPesznec@lhs.org          Portland, Oregon
(USDA zone 8, Sunset zone 6)





> If you're planning on using organic mulch this is a good time to go get
> it.
> I prefer straw over some of the tender perennials. It can be harder to
> find
> as winter approaches.
>
>

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