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[PRIMROSES] Bed Preparation

Almost anywhere in MO hardwood mulch will be an economical substitute for
cypress mulch and will improve the soil at the same time. Buy it bulk and
put down about 2 inches per year. After about 3 years the 2 inches will be
carried down to root level, each year, by soil organisms, worms, mushrooms,
etc. Add moderate amounts of grass fertilizer high in nitrogen like 23-5-4.
Its not likely that you will overdue P & K so cheap 10-10-10 is just as good.

Studies in Israel show that mulched "undisturbed" areas will migrate down 3
feet or more. When you distrust the soil in "bed making" it takes some time
for the soil people to rearrange themselves at their proper level. A
perfectly wonderful mold on the surface is killed when you bury him in bed
making.

Fool proof bed:
Put down newspaper 10-12 sheets thick.
Do not kill the vegetation, let the soil people incorporate it into the
ground.
Cover with 6-8 inches of compost, plain hardwood mulch will do, DO IT NOW.
Next spring cut X in the paper and plant the soil ball 1-2" below the paper.
Keep new mulch/compost up around the root mass as the organic matter recedes.
You are finished!!!

Finally if the question is expensive Cypress Mulch or expensive water then
use cheap Hardwood Mulch and expensive water.

At 05:17 AM 12/27/97 EST, SMITHIRIS wrote:
I would like a listing of shade plants that I could get for a new garden that
will have alot of Hosta in it.
I live in Missouri where the weather gets very hot (100 degrees +) for days on
end during the summer and the winter can bring -0 degrees for periods of time.
The bad thing we have here is ground heaving, which I try to stop by mulching.
I have shade, but the water supple is very expensive. I use soaker hoses
through out my gardens. I keep 4" of cypress mulch around all my plants to
help retain moisture.
I've just started collecting Hosta this year but have had some in my garden
for 6 years. I'm making new flower beds for the new collections and would like
some interesting companion plants.
If you could recommend places to purchase these shade plants, that would help.


"Conflict is as addictive as nicotine, alcohol, drugs, etc.
I'm sorry to report that cooperation is not."
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