Page 34 - Discover SPRING 2022

66 Years CONTINUED
Weeder’s Digest CONTINUED
use of plastic, as it allows no water
or nutrient absorption, whereas
landscape fabric will. Fabric is sold in
rolls of varying widths, lengths and
densities and are purported to stop
weed growth; your actual mileage may
vary.
In my opinion, using fabric under
organic mulches may inhibit some
weed establishment, but they will find
a way as roots can penetrate through
and under these fabrics. However,
fabrics used in bedded areas will also
inhibit beneficial insects and worms,
which enhance soil health. On the
other hand, when installing inorganic
products, using fabrics underneath
them will keep your investment from
slowly working its way into the soil, so
in this case, their use is advised.
In bedded areas with plants,
I also recommended that you use a
razor blade device to cut long slits in
the fabric between established plants.
This will allow beneficial insects to
gain access to the soil surface. Weeds
will still try to establish themselves as
stated before, so in both applications
the use of a pre-emergent to inhibit
weed seed germination is advised as a
preventative measure.
Aside from the protective
qualities of mulches, the many options
available allow us to personalize the
look of our landscapes, which we can
also change from year to year. It is
important to consider how we care for
32 Discover Smith Mountain Lake SPRING 2022
our plants when applying mulch. It's
prudent to avoid over mulching. An
application of 2 to 3 inches yearly is
enough for healthy plants. If a build
up of more than that occurs, consider
removing the excess, or raking what's
leftover to fluff, and applying a skim
coat for looks. Do not allow mulches
to touch the woody stalks of plants,
as that can lead to crown rot and
even diseases. For optimal plant
performance, don't forget to fertilize
under the mulch layer out at the drip
line of the plant.
Just as our yards are different,
where and how you procure your
bulk mulch can vary. As a rule, keep
in mind that 1 cubic yard of organic
mulch, which is equal to 27 cubic feet
for those using bagged material, will
cover approximately 100 square feet
at the recommended 2-3 inch depth.
Inorganic mulch generally covers 60
to 70 square feet per cubic yard for
proper coverage. Of course, these
measurements are relative to their
application. There is no right or wrong
time to apply mulch, but if you have
a lot of perennials or bulbs, consider
an early spring or late fall application.
This will allow them to grow up and
through, so as not to damage their new
growth
You can reach Bob Siren by email:
GardenGab@wslk880.com