In most cases, no, you should not cover your plants for the wintertime. A protective mulch (salt marsh hay, pine boughs, straw, etc.) can be applied after the ground is frozen, and removed with the first thaw. Here in the Midwest that is very hard to do - since we typically have a December thaw, a January thaw, and Feb. and March thaws. The biggest killer of perennials is having the crown of the plant smother (or rot) in the late winter/ early spring.

This question can have a number of valid responses depending on what materials are available at a reasonable price. Agricultural products which are common in one area may be impossible to find in other areas. Many rosarians here on the Northern California coastline prefer to use shredded redwood bark which lasts a long time as it breaks down slowly. It also has a natural, pleasing appearance and stays in place quite well.

The mulch/compost center is located at 620 Memorial Plaza right next to Fire Station #2. Proof of Burleson residency is required to obtain mulch for personal use.

Any gravel can be used as an inorganic mulch. Customers are advised to use weed mat under inorganic mulches…if the mulch needs to be removed for any reason for e.g. to add organic matter to the soil, or install irrigation etc, it can be kept clean of any garden soil etc.

The choice of mulch for exotic gardens depends on the colours and textures that suit the house and garden. While personal preference plays an important role we advise our customers that mulches vary in terms of how long they last. This is often an important factor in the purchase.

No, the Overwintering needs time to dry to prevent it from being washed off, so do not apply when rain is forcast.

We tested 27 mulches in the field, and found that some supported more artillery fungus than others. In this study, resistant mulch was the large pine bark nuggets. The large bark nuggets stay hard and dry, conditions that the artillery fungus does not like. Cypress mulch also performed well, as it probably contains some anti-fungal, anti-decay chemical(s).

Interestingly, homeowners that put down new mulch each year generally have less of the artillery fungus problem. But, we have not confirmed this practice. But it does seem to work. Don't miss a year!

You really need to ask this question to a compost expert, but most good mulch today is composted to some degree. However, I would insist on a thoroughly composted mulch.

Granular fertilizers are more persistent in the soil; they are absorbed more slowly and last longer. They can be incorporated into the soil at planting or they can also be broadcast onto the surface of the soil of existing plants. Super phosphate, frequently lacking in western soils, is essential for plentiful flowers and strong root growth. Grow Power is an excellent all-purpose fertilizer especially for lawns. It should be worked into the soil when planting turf and ornamental grasses.

Free mulch for residential use is available at the Solid Waste Complex, 1701 N. Hercules Ave., and Moccasin Lake Nature Park, 2750 Park Trail Ln. Please bring a shovel and containers. For hours, please call (727) 562-4920. For full information on free mulch in Pinellas County, call the hotline at (727) 464-7500. Mulch at collection centers is for residential use only. For pick up of bulk quantities or commercial use, please call (727) 464-7500. Back to Top

All mulches help conserve moisture, retard weed growth and provide an attractive appearance in the landscape. Simply choose the mulch that you feel looks the best. Merrifield Garden Center's shredded mulch is our most popular seller, but any of our good quality mulches will do the trick. In some situations there may be practical considerations; for example, mulch chips or nuggets are not ideal for hillsides or slopes for they can spill out of the beds more easily.

Grass clippings can be used fresh in light layers. Thicker layers may mat down and impede moisture from reaching the soil surface; a thick layer may also be "hot" enough to burn nearby plants. Often, gardeners will mix clippings with another non-matting mulch material such as chopped leaves and use that. Using the clippings will not cause grass or weeds to grow in a given area unless the clippings are full of grass seed (or possibly weed seeds).

Yes. Allow the van to dry or leather the worst off, otherwise the overwintering will run off without coating the vehicle.

BOB: Since Hurricane Katrina, people have been concerned about Formosan termites arriving locally in mulch products. After all they say, Formosan termites don't need soil to survive, they only need wood and a source of water. On the other hand, most experts feel the Formosan termites can't survive outside the southern climes.