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Subject: Re: suggest a mulch
From: "Bill Robinson" <roseguy@gte.net>
Organization:
Date: Thu, 28 Jun 01 17:49:54
Message-ID: <MOD$010628.9807@rec.gardens.ecosystems>



Flip has already planted bulbs in an area that he wants
to make into a garden and asks how to enrich the soil and
wants to dig in organic without hurting the bulbs.

Penny replied suggesting raking away the present layer of
mulch (shredded cypress and pine bark nuggets)and putting
down a 4"+ layer of compost and then recovering with the
old mulch. This is a better way to go than trying to dig
in organic regardless of the physical threat to the bulbs.
Digging in organic incorporates excessive oxygen into the
soil which speeds up the activites of the soil micro-organisms.
In essence, they kind of burn themselves out.

The layer approach allows nature to incorporate the organic
material at her own pace.

Here in Southern California where we have an almost continous
growing season, I add a 2" layer of compost twice a year to
the whole garden and I do this this every year. The various
critters in the soil eat that much and, at bottom line, we
have terrifically rich soil but it also took about 5 years
to get there.

Bill

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