CUISINE & CULTURE
Mulch is mulch is mulch. Right? Well, yes and no. The materials used as mulch are the same, but how and when the materials are used are not. There is summer mulching and winter mulching.
Summer mulch is laid down to cool plant roots from the summer heat, conserve moisture, and reduce weed populations. Winter mulch on the other hand is used to protect plants from extreme cold. Winter mulch protects plant roots in frozen soil by moderating temperature fluctuations that cause freeze/thaw damage by reducing soil heaving of frozen soils that damage root systems when roots are pushed out of the ground.
Summer and winter mulches vary in the application of the material. Summer mulches are placed on fallow ground and around actively growing plants, leaving plants uncovered.
Winter mulch is used to protect perennial plants from the damaging effects of winter cold, specifically protecting plant roots. Apply winter mulch when plants are dormant, usually waiting until after the first freeze.
Before putting down mulch for the winter, deep-water root systems, as dry roots are more likely to be damaged or killed by low temperatures than fully hydrated roots. When perennials are dormant lay down 2 to 3 inches of mulch close to the base of the plant without covering the plant.
Organic mulches are often available at no cost in the landscape: leaves, pine needles, and wood shavings or chips.
• Leaves. Leaves make a suitable cover, especially when shredded; whole leaves are fine but are easily blown around; chopped leaves tend to stay in place.
• Pine needles. Pine needles make a great mulch. When pine needles decompose they tend to lower the pH of the soil, making it more acidic. West Texas soils are alkaline and can use any source to lower the pH of our soils.
• Bark, wood chips. Last, bark or wood chips are helpful but are the least desirable, as wood products need nitrogen to start the decomposition process. The nitrogen comes from the soil, at the expense of the perennial plants.
Inorganic mulches, like rock products, double as landscape focal points but as winter mulch are less protective than organic sources. Crushed stone, pebble rock, gravel, river rock and lava are effective when used on top of plastic weed barriers.
Some information from epochtimes.com
Ellen Peffley Harp, a retired professor of horticulture at Texas Tech University, writes about gardening for several Texas newspapers.
