DATE:     09/26/02
CONTACT:  Bob Polomski, (864) 656-2604
EDITOR:   Susan Bedingfield, (864) 656-3876;sbeding@Clemson.edu

Don't bare your
soil-- mulch. 

                    By Bob Polomski
           Clemson Extension Consumer Horticulturist
            State Master Gardener Coordinator 
               
     
	A garden without mulch is like a peanut butter sandwich without
jelly. Mulch not only improves the appearance of your shrubs, trees,
flowers and vegetables, but also keeps them healthy.
     Researchers have found that mulch offers the following benefits:
     1. Conserves soil moisture by reducing water evaporation
     2. Smothers water and nutrient robbing weeds
     3. Controls soil erosion on sloping areas
     4. Keeps the soil cooler in summer and warmer in winter
     5. Creates a healthy environment for earthworms and other soil
        organisms that improve the growing conditions for our plants
	Mulches can be organic or inorganic.  Organic mulches include 
compost, shredded wood, bark chips and pine straw.  Inorganic or
synthetic mulches, such as crushed rock, gravel, volcanic rock and
seashells, never need replacing.
	I'm very fond of organic mulches because they're plant 
friendly.  As these mulches decompose to become humus, they gradually 
supply valuable nutrients to the soil. 
	Try using shredded leaves and twigs that can be acquired
inexpensively from neighbors.  These generous people rake up and 
discard their leaves; so they would be more than happy to have you
collect the leaves from them.
	In a side-by-side comparison, nine out of ten gardeners would
probably agree that these store-bought mulches are more attractive than
the homegrown stuff.  But if price is important, shredded leaves may 
look just fine.
	Whatever mulch you choose, avoid the urge to apply too much. 
Many gardeners make the statement: "I mulch and am proud of it," with
their one to two foot high beds of mulch. 
 	Volcano mulching or mulching to excess can be harmful to your
plants. Too much mulch impairs the movement of air and water into the
soil.  Shallow-rooted plants, such as azaleas, rhododendrons, dogwoods
and conifers are especially vulnerable to decline from thick layers of
mulch. 
	Avoid piling the mulch against the trunk because it keeps the
bark moist.  Bark was not meant to be moist all of the time.  This 
moist environment predisposes the trunk to attack by canker causing and
heart rot fungi.  Give the trunk some breathing room by keeping the 
mulch at least three to six inches away.
	Woody plants only need a three to four inch layer of mulch.
Apply at least a two-foot ring for every inch of trunk diameter. 
Ideally, mulch out to the drip line or outermost branches since shrub
and tree roots extend slightly beyond this point. 
	Use only a two to three inch thick layer around herbaceous
annuals and perennials, and with any plant, make sure the mulch does
not touch the stems or trunks.
	When mulch ages and fades, avoid the temptation to heap on more
of it. Evaluate the thickness of the existing layer and add only enough
to bring it up to the right depth.
	You have many types of mulch to choose from--almost as many 
choices as there are jams and jellies.  The bottom line-- Don't bare
your soil--mulch. Select mulch that fits your budget and looks good to
you.
              ******************************************
     If you have gardening questions, search our website at
www.clemson.edu/psamedia or write to PSA Media Relations, A-101 Poole
Agricultural Center, Clemson University, Clemson, S.C. 29634-0129.
                              END