Mulch is a garden essential because it helps the soil retain moisture and keeps weeds and insects at bay. Here are a few ideas from show host Kim Haworth on succeeding with mulch: - Any time you plant, add a layer of mulch to retain moisture and prevent insects and weeds. Keep the mulch away from the base of the plant however, instead mulching only to the "drip line" -- the outside of the leaves. Also spread mulch over any bare spots.
- Keep in mind that you have to renew mulch, because worms will eat it and it will gradually be worm away or break down into the soil.
- Hardwood mulch works well to cool soil and prevent weeds. So does pine mulch, but it's more fragrant and looks nicer.
- A hardwood, compost, and charcoal mulch mix protects plants and is pretty (figure A). It has the added advantage of breaking down to add nutrients to the soil.
- Decorative mulches such as the ones made from recycled tires can only be used indoors, because they don't decompose. In fact, you can wash them out with water and re-use them (figure B).
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