It doesn’t take long after you step outside before you break into a sweat, just imagine how your plants feel. This summer is brutally hot and it seems to just be getting hotter.
It is important to take care of your plants during our record breaking temperatures. This can be done by applying a layer of mulch.
Nutrient rich organic mulch will keep the roots cool, help retain moisture, reduces weeds which steals valuable nutrients and water from your desired plants, and slowly releases fertilizer to create a healthy environment for plants.
Mulch also adds to the aesthetic look and feel of your landscape or garden. It’s a win-win situation, it just takes three inches of mulch around shrubs, trees, and vegetables, to beat the heat.
Make sure you keep the mulch at least 4 to 6 inches away from the main stems from shrubs and the trunks of trees to avoid crown rot.
“And please, for the health of your trees, do not create “mulch volcanos.” To keep down weeds, some gardeners pile wood chips right up against the trunks of trees in a volcano shape. The wood chips may harbor fungi and bacteria that can attack the bark of your precious tree, eventually killing it in 6 to 10 years. Instead of a volcano, create a “doughnut.” Leave 3 or 4 inches of space between the tree and the mulch.” Providence Journal.
Be careful of purchasing mulch in bags, many have been ‘color enhanced’ or made from construction waste.
These tend to contain dyes and chemicals that you definitely do not want to have in your garden or landscape. It will leave you wondering why your plants aren’t as vibrant as they should be and may leak potentially harmful chemicals in your vegetables.
Consider buying mulch in bulk, you can save a ton of time and money. If you have any questions or need assistance finding the right mulch for your garden, contact Reliable Peat. We are conveniently located in Winter Garden and Lake County, providing quality mulch at an affordable price.
