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Top Questions About Mulch

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Questions About Mulch

  • Answered by
    Nikki on
    July 16, 2012
    Certified Expert
    A.

    Great question. Freshly chipped mulch needs to sit for a few months up to a year (depending on how much you have) prior to its use in the garden. Why? If applied while fresh the heat generated while decomposing can quickly burn plants. To speed up the process, simply keep your mulch pile turned to allow air to flow through.

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  • Answered by
    nancypants0204 on
    July 23, 2012
    A.

    Great answer, Nikki. However, if you are using the mulch to snuff out weeds, using fresh mulch is as good as aged. One thing that may cut down on the burning is if you can screen out the smaller debris to use in a compost pile, and use the larger, fresh wood chips as straight mulch.

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  • Answered by
    Nikki on
    August 6, 2012
    Certified Expert
    A.

    DO NOT use sawdust as a mulch. Sawdust decomposes too quickly and uses all available nitrogen, leaving none for the plants. It would be best to compost the sawdust prior to using it in the garden. Not only will this allow it to age, which will lessen the chances of burning plants, but it will also prevent it from taking up too much nitrogen from the soil. This article might help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/composting/ingredients/using-sawdust-in-your-compost-pile.htm

    If you have already added them around your plants, I would either remove it or work it into the soil and replace the shavings with straw mulch. This will retain moisture and keep the plants insulated.

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  • Answered by
    Nikki on
    December 1, 2010
    Certified Expert
    A.

    Here is an article that you may find helpful: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/info/whats-the-best-mulch-for-my-garden.htm

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  • Answered by
    Atochalady on
    December 2, 2013
    A.

    Forget existing soil. Use raised bed gardening instead. Add 1/3 compost (manure is in it )1/3 pearlite, 1/3 cocunut coir, garden soil, rock dust and fertilizer.

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  • Answered by
    AnnsGreeneHaus on
    November 12, 2013
    A.

    I think the best suggestion would include copious amounts of manure and compost worked into the soil to a depth of 12+ inches.
    A soil test would help. Results would tell you which path to take for your preferred pH. If you have an agricultural extension office nearby, they will also have suggestions. As for the roots, they will deteriorate into compost with time.

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  • Answered by
    Nikki on
    April 10, 2014
    Certified Expert
    A.

    While it is possible for many plants to grow in mulch, vegetables (especially those in containers) require specific nutrients that may not be present in the mulch alone. I would at least mix in some soil with the mulch. Of course, you could always experiment. Try growing some with only mulch and others with soil or soil/mulch mix.

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  • Answered by
    Downtoearthdigs on
    August 1, 2015
    A.

    Yes you can!

    Here is a link with more information.

    https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/mulch/mulching-with-grass-clippings.htm

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  • Answered by
    Downtoearthdigs on
    September 27, 2015
    A.

    Yes, this is fine. As long as the leaves do not come from diseased or pest infested plants, they are actually quite beneficial for the soil.

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