Field is entering mulching season. If you’ve gone more than a couple years without supplementing your mulch/compost and need some help, please give us a call (612) 789-9381. Here are a couple notes from our lead gardener, Carolyn, about mulches.

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Studies have confirmed that mulch helps with water retention around your plantings. Soil temperatures are buffered with the application of mulch resulting in less ‘heaving’ in our freeze and thaw cycles here in Minnesota. Mulching the garden can inhibit weed germination or suppress weed growth. Mulch beds to stop overwintered fungus from spreading and to freshen the appearance of the garden

Hardwood mulch: Generally speaking, these mulches enhance the appearance of your garden. They are usually easy to apply and are good insulators against hot and cold temperatures.

Cedar, cypress, and pine bark mulches are the most popular

o Cedar

§ Pro - Doesn’t break down as easily

§ Pro - Doesn’t wash away in heavy rains

§ Pro - Looks nice

§ Con - Doesn’t return nutrients to the soil

o Cypress

§ Most popular

§ Pro - Good color retention

§ Con - Wiping out natural wetlands in Florida where it is found

o Pine Bark

§ Pro - A by-product of the forest industry

§ Pro - Good color retention

§ Pro - Doesn’t settle quickly

§ Con - Can wash away in heavy rains

Pine Straw Mulch

· Pro - Good color retention

· Pro - Lets water and oxygen move easily

· Con - Possible loss of nutrients

· Con - Settles quickly

Partially Composted Leaves

· Pro - Excellent insulator

· Pro - Adds nutrients to soil when breaks down

· Con - Leaves must be finely shredded to allow oxygen and water to move easily

Straw and Hay

· Pro - Excellent insulator

· Pro - Lets water and oxygen move easily

· Con - Hay has lots of weed seeds, straw does not

Cocoa bean mulch

· Pro - Nice brown color

· Pro - Great frangrance

· Con - Toxic to pets

· Con - Expensive

· Con - Can get moldy

Sources: About.com and my [Carolyn's] brain