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Expert Advice & Tips

This Month's Expert Jefferson Green

"Mulch" is often thought of as strictly an organic application of material around plants. However,as the table below indicates, there are many more common mulches, many of which are inorganic but still effective in achieving many of the benefits of traditional organic mulches. As a general rule, the old cliche "the finer the grind, the quicker the reaction" can be used as a mulching guide with respect to predicting potential nitrogen draw. There is considerable argument in the green industry between lab and field personnel over what is dangerous or safe for a compost or other organic material to be used as a mulch. The example offered here is general but helps add perspective to products used in the field.

Spring Gardening Tips

Once spring has sprung You may want to consider planting new seedlings, there are a couple of items to consider before planting:

If the temperature is below 40F You are experiencing a spring thaw If the soil is unstable Seedling isn't mature enough to plant