what is a good mulch?

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Posted by pdshop 5 (My Page) on

Mon, Aug 3, 09 at 17:41

That is my question. No wood mulches? What about that compressed straw? Grass clippings but I worry about fertilizer? Something to keep the roots cool. Thanks

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RE: what is a good mulch?

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Posted by oscarthecat z7MD (My Page) on
Mon, Aug 3, 09 at 20:42

I have often wondered about grass clippings myself. Perhaps your thread could shed some light on that. Steve in Baltimore County.

RE: what is a good mulch?

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Posted by poochella 7/ WEST WA (My Page) on
Mon, Aug 3, 09 at 23:14

I just use my own compost if it isn't all dug into the ground, or saved leaves from fall gathering that I shred fresh and ring around the root zone. Others have used straw with great success. A bale goes for about $15 here and goes a long, long way.

I would love to use grass clippings as we usually have excess, but I worry about it matting down and making watering difficult. It might work just fine.

RE: what is a good mulch?

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Posted by pdshop 5 (My Page) on
Tue, Aug 4, 09 at 8:12

Thankss for the response. I think I should take the wood chips out of there.
Pooch--somtime the grass clippings mat down after a rain and get hot, than mold. The grass has to be really dry.

RE: what is a good mulch?

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Posted by poochella 7/ WEST WA (My Page) on
Wed, Aug 5, 09 at 11:50

As far as I'm concerned wood chips are a big earwig condo complex. I'll never put them by a dahlia again. I still have a pile of about 50 bushels sitting and waiting for a destination and the labor to move it all.

RE: what is a good mulch?

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Posted by flowergirl70ks 5/6KS (My Page) on
Wed, Aug 5, 09 at 19:41

I use grass clippings all the time, only be sure to dry them out first. My dahlias grow in my vege garden, so I have time to do this, also in 100 degree weather it doesn't take long. Wish I was a wheat farmer where you are, I can't imagine paying $15 for a bale of straw. Straw that is certified weed free is $8 a bale here. My dahlias seem to grow slow this year. They were all planted at the same time, and some are blooming and some are not even 2 ft tall yet. This has been the year of crazy weather here, like other places I guess.

RE: what is a good mulch?

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Posted by misslucinda 6a (My Page) on
Fri, Aug 7, 09 at 9:52

I've used a ring of shredded leaves and leaf mold. But next year I intend to use "Sweet Peat" as it really improves the soil.

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