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- Q.What Is Mulching? - What and how does one mulch and how does one prune?
- Q.Cocoa Shell Mulch For The Garden - We've used cocoa shell mulch in western NY for the plants around the house. Now we are in VA and ...
- Q.Sawdust - Can I use sawdust/wood shavings as part of my mulch?
- Q.Do Cocoa Bean Shells Harm The Soil If Used To Mulch A Vegetable Garden? - Do cocoa bean shells harm the soil if used to mulch a vegetable garden?
- Q.Limestone - I went to a landscaping dealer and one of their mulch offerings, along with river stone and cypress, was limestone. ...
- Q.Can I Use Wood Chips As A Type Of Mulch - Can I use wood chips as a type of mulch covering? I know you can use wood bark.
- Q.Should I Use Mulch In An Outdoor Container Garden? - It will be partial shade, partial sun and will contain flowers and foliage.
Asked by
butterfly on
November 9, 2011Q.What Is Mulching?
What and how does one mulch and how does one prune?
Answered by
Nikki on
November 10, 2011
Certified ExpertA.Mulch helps eliminate or lessen the amount of weed growth, retains soil moisture, and insulates plants. There are various types to choose from, though they generally fall into two categories: organic and non-organic. These articles will help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/info/whats-the-best-mulch-for-my-garden.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/info/learn-about-synthetic-mulch-for-your-garden.htmAs for pruning, this typically involves the cutting away of branches on a plant, normally a tree or shrub, in order to achieve an end goal. This goal can be things like shaping a plant, encouraging new growth or increasing fruit production. How and when to prune plants is normally dependent upon the type of plant you are wanting to prune.
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- Asked by
Anonymous on
March 23, 2012Q.Cocoa Shell Mulch for the Garden
We've used cocoa shell mulch in western NY for the plants around the house. Now we are in VA and having difficulty finding the product. Is it no longer recommended, or just not easy to find at landscapers and nurseries? We have been using double shredded hardwood mulch for years now, but it's messy with mowers and leaf shredders. We are hoping for an alternative like the cocoa shells to reduce the use of hardwood mulch.
- Answered by
Nikki on
March 24, 2011
Certified ExpertA.There is an internet rumor that cocoa mulch can be harmful to pets. However, there is not much evidence to substantiate it, but it has affected who will buy it, so it is not as available now as it was.
Was this answer useful?00 - Asked by
Anonymous on
April 28, 2012Q.Sawdust
Can I use sawdust/wood shavings as part of my mulch?
- Answered by
Nikki on
April 28, 2011
Certified ExpertA.You can use this as mulch; however, it's best to allow it to sit for awhile before applying, as fresh sawdust/wood shavings can get quite hot and burn plants. They may also take up a lot of nitrogen from the soil. Once it's been sitting for at least a month or so, it should be fine to use and will eventually break down into the soil, making a great soil enricher.
Was this answer useful?00 - Asked by
layner on
April 30, 2012Q.Do Cocoa Bean Shells Harm the Soil if Used to Mulch a Vegetable Garden?
Do cocoa bean shells harm the soil if used to mulch a vegetable garden?
- Answered by
Heather on
May 2, 2011
Certified ExpertA.There should be no reason you cannot use it on your vegetable garden. It will actually help the soil as it decomposes.
Was this answer useful?00 - Asked by
Anonymous on
May 8, 2012Q.Limestone
I went to a landscaping dealer and one of their mulch offerings, along with river stone and cypress, was limestone. I liked the look, size and price. Is this a good choice? I was a little worried due to the lime content in the stone. Any suggestions?
- Answered by
heart on
May 14, 2012A.Over time it could raise your PH and could effect some plants. If you live in an area with acidic soil, it should be ok unless you are growing acid loving plants.
Was this answer useful?00 - Asked by
Finnyshadow on
May 12, 2012Q.Can I Use Wood Chips as a Type of Mulch
Can I use wood chips as a type of mulch covering? I know you can use wood bark.
- Answered by
Nikki on
May 13, 2011
Certified ExpertA.There is no reason why you cannot use wood chips as mulch PROVIDED that (as with any wood product) you allow the material to dry thoroughly before use to avoid burning any plants in the area used.
Was this answer useful?00 - Asked by
yougotval on
May 28, 2012Q.Should I use mulch in an outdoor container garden?
It will be partial shade, partial sun and will contain flowers and foliage.
- Answered by
Nikki on
May 29, 2012
Certified ExpertA.Yes, mulching is fine for use in container plants too. It helps retain moisture and insulates both plant roots and soil.
Was this answer useful?00 - Answered by
kkharmony on
May 28, 2012A.And one other real good reason I mulch is that it keeps the soil temperature about 10 degrees F. cooler,.and plants love that especially here in the south.
Was this answer useful?00 - Answered by
kkharmony on
May 28, 2012A.I mulch everything (I have a 1000 square foot garden plus many containers), for two reasons. Mulching helps the soil to maintain water and the mulch slowly breaks down providing slow release nitrogen in an organic form which does not cause the soil to dry out like the desert the way in-organic nitrogen fertilizers do.
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