When In Drought

Mulch Is Our Friend !

My 20 plus years as a professional gardener have highlighted the value of mulch in its many forms. I’m an advocate of mulching all planted areas with biodegradable material.

This serves multiple functions such as:

 Conserving moisture.

Seed saving in progress. Protection from birds feasting on selected heads

 

Mulched areas allow faster absorption of water into the soil and holds the moisture in the soil for a longer period. An example is to be found in the Center Avenue Community Garden. A self sown cover crop of Lemon Queen Sunflowers thrived through late July on land mulched with tree chips. These path areas received no water since the last of the meager winter rains of 2014. Adjacent fallow raised beds with no mulch cover or irrigation did not grow anything viable. Mulch slows evaporation from the soil surface. Most people could save 30% on their residential water usage with drip irrigation and a good layer of organic mulch.

Disease control

It prevents splashing of mud and certain plant disease organisms onto leaves and flowers.

 

Weed control

A layer of mulch smothers small weeds and prevents weed seed germination. Weeds that do grow through a layer of mulch are much easier to pull.

 

Erosion control

When in doubt cover it with mulch and decorate with people

Mulch breaks the force of a heavy rain event which can cause erosion, compaction and crusting.

 

Soil temperature moderation

Insulation from extreme variances of temperature. Sun, wind and freezing conditions have less impact on the delicate roots at the soil surface.

 

Beautification

The homogenizing effect can be dramatic and offers a clean, tidy and contrasting appearance.

 

Soil structure

The humus resulting from the decay of mulch over time helps build a healthy soil structure allowing air and water movement. Decaying organic mulch on soil keeps both plants and beneficial soil life species flourishing so they can help each other.

 

Fertilizer

In decay an organic mulch provides a wide range of plant nutrients not offered in hydrocarbon based purchased fertilizer. This slow release organic feast feeds bacteria and fungi, earthworms and other beneficial soil life. These useful actors process and make available plant nutrients that the plant roots cannot directly absorb.

 

"Mulch is our friend"

As a way of reducing our water usage at CACG we are currently only watering the lower row of raised beds, the fruit trees planted in 2013 and the perimeter planting.

Our current water bill for 2 months is $68.

Crop Swap

Held every 4th Wednesday of the month. 6:30 pm at 333 Center Ave. Pacheco Ca.

 

Some images from the August 27th 2014 Crop Swap.

 

You never know what might show up!

The monthly Crop Swap has become quite a social event. Some choose to stay and chat until sunset.

 

Colin's new gardening equipment

May we all enjoy a Labor Day of rest and celebration as we reflect, with appreciation, on the fall rains to come.

 

May your mulch stay moist!

 

David

925 286 7225