posted
I have lots of patio urns and pots where I've been planting annuals each summer for several years. I've also mulched the pots in the past since they tend to dry out in summer heat. But, I was just reading some information from a local garden center saying that annuals should NOT be mulched because mulch leaches nutrients from the soil. When I plant I use a granular, time-release fertilizer and also give them a squirt of Miracle-Gro from time to time when I water.
Question: Is there anything to this "no mulching of annuals" rule? It seems that the benefit of keeping the soil from drying out would outweigh the risk of nutrient loss, especially since the plants are well-fertilized. My potted plants have thrived in the past, but would they be happier unmulched?
posted
Just keep on doing what u have always done... Discriminating between annuals and perennials for mulching seems to be rediculous!!! Never heard of that before! Every source that i have read says that u should at least lightly mulch to hold in moisture. I do understand that organic matter can make soil acidic, but we are talking about potted plants. Even the pH can be adjusted in them. I tend to "over-mulch" in all my beds. It does attract more slugs and snails, but i've got them under control. Mulch does eventually become part of the soil;so, i feel comfortable with what i'm doing.
I am having a problem right now with testing my soil. My new tester is worthless. I'm tryig to find a new method. I feel that i should be able to test the soil myself and not have to pay $5 for someone else to do it for me! I have many different flowers, bushes and trees, and many have different fertility and pH requirements. Gardendreamer03@aol.com
* * * * Bob
Plants: 640 | From: in my garden | Registered: Jan 2003
| Seeded: 205.188.208.104
posted
Julesagogo, I believe what they might have been referring to is the "some" mulches shouldn't be used because they rob the nutrients as they decompose, like fresh wood chips and fresh grass clippings. As they decomp. they use up nitrogen and for the surounding plant that is not a good idea to use. Also, when something is that close to the base of the plant that also ecourages the plant not to do good as many.
* * * * Weezie
Don't forget to be kind to strangers. For some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it. - Bible - Hebrews 13:2
login | 
| 
| 
Printer-friendly view of this garden