Mulch or not? That is the question. Merriam-Webster's dictionary defines mulch as a protective covering (such as sawdust, compost, or paper) that is applied or spread over the soil to enrich or protect it. Soil." Fruits (e.g. Strawberries) Clean".
As experienced gardeners, we are trained to rely on scientific research and provide science-based information. There are no folk tales. In that sense, mulch is the answer. We don't know everything about gardening, but we do know how to look at it.
I am sometimes lucky that the local arborists have removed a lot of weeds on my property. I share with others and use myself.Neighbors down the street also allow tree services to pick up broken items from their homes.
We dress the soil to make it more suitable for plant growth and to allow rain or irrigation water to penetrate. Compost used as compost slowly decomposes, allowing bacteria and worms to burrow deeper into the soil.
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Like many seasoned gardeners, I use a process called lasagna compost, so named because it involves the slow build-up of organic matter. I put clean wet cardboard on top and put compost or small wood chips on top.
I use this method every year in my flower beds. If the cardboard doesn't rot completely after a rainy winter, I make holes in it and plant vegetables in the holes. If it doesn't rain much in the winter, I water the flower beds occasionally to encourage decomposition.
Lasagna compost also works well in the way of weed control. I found that it is very easy to remove weeds.
Mulch prevents weed growth, helps the soil absorb and retain water, regulates soil temperature and prevents soil erosion. As nature decomposes fallen leaves, it creates its own litter under the big trees. When planting around trees, keep the material away from the trunk. Otherwise, the moisture in the humidity can kill your tree. Also, do not allow it to accumulate in your home, as very dry wood compost catches fire.
Some people use stones and rocks as mulch, but this is not a particularly good idea. Sunlight heats the rocks and causes soil moisture to evaporate. Also, weeds like to plant their seeds in stones and therefore it is difficult to remove weeds.
You can make your own mulch by making a compost pile. Do not pile weeds as soon as they begin to seed. Weed seeds will not rot in the compost and unwanted seeds will give you a bountiful harvest. I also don't put melon seeds in the compost pile for the same reason. The seeds will grow wherever and whenever I spread the fertilizer. Rose bushes can become weeds when they grow in cornfields.
The City and County of Nepa partnered with local gardeners to hold composting workshops for interested residents. There are many ways to compost and I have tried most of them except thermal composting. If you choose not to compost your own, Napa Recycling & Waste Services will ship the compost to you.
The Master Gardener's next composting workshop is scheduled for Saturday, September 16. Save the date and wait for the registration notice in this column. Learn why and how to compost your kitchen waste, including how to compost it with worms.
Food Growing Forum: Join the UC Napa County Master Gardeners on Sunday, July 9 from 3 to 5 p.m. at the California Cooperative Extension Office, 1710 Soscol Avenue, Napa, Share a forum called "Beverages from Your Garden." Register here: https://ucanr.edu/2023FoodForumJul
Library Talk: Join the UC Napa County Gardeners for a talk on "Drought and Fire Resilient Landscapes" on Tuesday, July 11, 4:30-5:30 p.m., at St. Mary's Library. Helena, 1492 Library Lane, St. Helena. Register here: https://ucanr.edu/2023StHelenaLibraryReslientLandscapeJul
Guided Tree Walks: Join the UC Master Gardeners on Friday, July 14 from 10 a.m. to noon at Fuller Park, Oak Street and Jefferson Street, Napa. Seating is limited to 15 people and each person must register separately at: https://surveys.ucanr.edu/survey.cfm?surveynumber=40550
Gardening with the Masters: Join UC Master Gardeners for an educational gardening experience on Saturday, July 15 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Ole Health South Campus, 300 Hartle Court, Napa. Children over 5 years of age are allowed to stay when accompanied by an adult. A certain portion size. Sign up: https://www.olehealth.org/our-services/community-outreach-resources
Help Desk: The Master Gardener Help Desk is available Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., at the University of California Cooperative Extension Office, 1710 Soscol Avenue, Suite 4, Napa to answer gardening questions. Or send your questions to mastergardeners@countyofnapa.org. Include your name, address, phone number, and a brief description of the problem. For better results, attach a photo of the plant. You can also leave a voicemail at 707-253-4143 with the same information.
Penny Powell is a horticulturist at UC Napa County.
