Evening star., 1943-06-27

dOwn the moisture loss LnrOuSn
evaporation and, If thick enough,
prevents weeds from growing. A
third factor is that it keeps the
ground cool and thus encourages
root action, especially of those
plants that tend to become dormant
during periods of high temperatures.
Most gardeners think of winter
protection when mention is made
of mulches. Protection from heat
Is. Just as important to the health
and activity of plant growth. Roses
have been known to stop active
growth in this area during periods
OF extreme temperatures. When
mulched and given q single watering
growth was resumed. Many other
plants need cool root run Ii they
are to remain in active growth. A
hot, sun-baked soil is dry and plant
roots frequently do not function
rOperly under such conditions.
The loss of moisture through evap-
oration Is very great and anything
that we may do to reduce 1t will
be a gain during periods of scanty
rainfall. II we stop to think for
q moment we quickly realize that
one or more periods of summer
drought are rather common to this
area. For this reason it is suggested
that we make plans now to accumu-
late materials for mulching.
Maiehss Not Difficult
To Gather Together
No doubt more gardeners would
employ mulches in their gardens If
IL were not for the difficulty and
cost of such materials. However,
an early gathering together of grass,
weeds, rotted sawdust, leaf mold or
any other form Of plant material,
rotted or fresh, will go long way
toward solving this difficulty. Saw
ing the weeds that are pulled from
the parden and letting them dry is
one method. Saving the grass clip
pings. is another. Straw, rotted hay,
coarse manure, any kind of vege-
table matter that is not likely to
blow away will do.
The amount of mulching material
needed will depend upon the crops
to be protected, as well as upon the
area to be covered. If the mulch is
for a crop such as lilies, that need
cool root run, thicker layer
q inches) will be needed than for
one where the object is to cut down
evaporation. To control weeds, the
mulch should be 2 inches or more in
thickness.
One method Of mulching that
usually works reasonably well is to
rake the clippings after moving the
lawn mot generally recommended,
since the grass needs them and
spreading in thin layer between
the rows. After each moving q
layer is added until the desired
thickness is obtained. The purpose
Of spreading in a thin layer is to
avoid the heating which usually
occurs when the clippings are piled
too thickly. The disadvantage. how
ever, is that with the application of
thin layers many weeds will get
started and push through.
Some hot.weather crops, such as
peppers, do not seem to thrive under
mulches. Sweet corn Is another
crop that seems to resent this form
OF protection. On the other hand.
tomatoes, potatoes, roses and lilies
are crops that seem to benefit
greatly from mUlches.
Work Ground Before
Applying Mulch
Before applying a mulch the
ground should be thoroughly worked
and left bit rough. This serves
to break up the crust, check any
weed growth, and to leave the soil
IN a condition so that all rainfall
soaking through the mulch will
penetrate into the soil.
The mulching materials do not
need to be removed in the fall, but
may be dug into the soil to improve
lt-both physically and organically
The humus will increase it's water
holding capacity, make it more fri
able, and add plant food.
A different type of mulching ma
terial than mentioned above-paper
mulches - are frequently recon-
menoed. However, mulching paper
Is difficult to handle. Unless the
edges are carefully pinned down
with long wire staples or covered
with soil, they tend to tear and blow
during wlndStormS. A heavy piece
OF mulching paper blowing about
IN high wind can do considerable
damage to growing crops. Paper
mulches prevent rainfall from soak
ing into the sofia real disad-
vantage.
Where a gardener is going to be
away from his garden for period
Of weeks mulches are a great bene-
f1t and fully justify any expense in
CURED. Even though the garden will
receive no care during the period,
the mulch will in most cases keep
the plants growing satisfactorily
and prevent weeds.
Where Peat Moss
May Be Used
Around rhododendrons and other
ericaceous plants peat moss and
rotted sawdust may be effectively
used. These mulcheS increase the
scidity of the soil as well as keep
the shallow growing roots of these
plants cool. This is especially i'm
portant during August and Septem-
ber for it is then that they are
forming the buds for next springs
flowers and they should be kept
growing thriftily. Dogwoods are
oftentimes cultivated when they
should have their shallow growing
roots protected by an acid forming
mulch. The peat moss and rotted
sawdust make a better appearance
IS mulch than do compost and
leaf-mold.
Mulching materials are frequently
left on the beds through the fall
s.AAAAAA1
DO YOUR PART X