Southern Maryland Gardening tips and techniques, wih Barbara

BELIEVE IT OR NOT SOMETIMES MULCH CAN DO MORE HARM THEN GOOD IF YOU DO NOT DO IT PROPERLY.

Mulch helps retain moisture in the soil, controls weeds, (we hope) and maintain temperature in hot and cold weather. Applying too much mulch or adding it too often can prevent much needed oxygen from reaching the roots of plants. Mulch often becomes compacted, preventing rain from penetrating the soil. Mulch piled high around tree trunks will soften tree bark and promote the growth of fungi. This will eventually invite pests and disease. I found out a little to late that repeated applications of hardwood mulch around azaleas, and rhododendrons, releases the metallic element manganese into the soil. The manganese prevents these shrubs from getting the iron they need resulting in shrubs with smaller, yellowing leaves and branch dieback. This is what happened to 8 of my azaleas before I know what was the cause.

Here are some tips on mulching.

Mulch only 2-3 inches deep

Mulch should never touch the tree bark. Keep it at lease 5 inches away

You don't need to mulch every year- only when needed.

Azalea Rhododendron

Unfortunately, mine did not look like this, but next year they will.

DISCOVER SOUTHERN MARYLANDS SECRET.....WHERE RELAXATION IS A LIFESTLE, NOT A VACATION!!!!

If you are looking to buy or sell in southern maryland, call me or visit my web site www.barbararaley.com