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The Master Gardener Articles
Mulch
As summer approaches, we often add the last finishing touches to our flower beds. Mulch enhances the beauty of your flowerbed and home. Not only is it decorative, it helps retain moisture, suppresses weeds, cools the bed during warm weather and insulates the soil in the winter. As the mulch decomposes, it adds organic matter to the soil, nature’s modulator (holds nutrients, water, suppresses disease)
Mulch, if used improperly, can result in increased maintenance problems. Mulch should be applied at 2-4 inches thick, allow 2-4 inches of clear space around the base of the trunk to reduce disease. Mulch piled up 6-12 inches around the base of trees (mulch volcanoes) can lead to excess moisture in the root zone, causing root rot. This also can lead to stressed stem tissue that can lead to insect and disease problems or rodent damage.
Mulches should be applied in the spring, after the soil has warmed up and annual flowers have been plants. Before applying mulch weed the area first and put down a pre-emergent herbicide. New much can be applied on top of old mulch.
Selection of mulch is your personal preference, however, keep in mind that cedar and cypress mulch are the slowest to break down and can last 3-4 years. Some people prefer organic mulches (fiberglass batting, stone granite chips, river gravel, etc.) These, of course, do not break down; however, stone can trap more heat causing mulched areas to release heat on a hot summer day.
For more information contact George McVey, Program Assistant, Horticulture and Union County Master Gardener Coordinator at 937.644.8117 or e-mail him at gmcvey@ag.osu.edu.
The Master Gardener Offers horticulture advice and tips, focusing on current issues by volunteers who are with The Ohio State University Extension, Union County Master Gardener Program. For answers to gardening questions, call 937.644.8117 or e-mail gmcvey@ag.osu.edu. Hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
All educational programs conducted by Ohio State University Extension are available to clientele on a nondiscriminatory basis without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, gender, age, disability or Vietnam-era veteran status.
Keith L. Smith, Associate Vice President for Ag. Admin. and Director, OSU Extension TDD No. 800-589-8292 (Ohio only) or 614-292-1868
Revised July, 2006