The Tropical Fruit Forum
Tropical Fruit => Tropical Fruit Discussion => Topic started by: NewGen on May 29, 2020, 12:08:59 AM
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I've only bought from either Home Depot or Lowe's. I've used several different kinds and now forgot which one's "best". Of course I stay away from any rubber mulch, or anything with colors added. I've had a few issues, but because I've used different kinds so it's hard to pinpoint where the problems came from.
I've used this one in containers:
https://www.lowes.com/pd/GRO-WELL-2-cu-ft-Light-Brown-Garden-Bark/4756241 (https://www.lowes.com/pd/GRO-WELL-2-cu-ft-Light-Brown-Garden-Bark/4756241)
The problem is the water just runs off on top of the wood chips (I only bought the Small Nugget) and doesn't get soaked into the soil. I ended up removing the mulch and for now it's just bare soil.
Also used this one:
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Garden-Time-2-cu-ft-All-natural-Reddish-Color-Mulch/1000041647 (https://www.lowes.com/pd/Garden-Time-2-cu-ft-All-natural-Reddish-Color-Mulch/1000041647)
It's a bit better than the "nuggets".
Same problem if used in containers, water just runs off the mulch.
Any other recommendations?
Thanks,
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Maybe they impregnated the wood chips with water glass( sodium silicate) in order to repel water and last longer.
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Just type "Orange County mulch" and you will have your answer.
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Just type "Orange County mulch" and you will have your answer.
Hm, sorry I can't seem to find "Orange County mulch." Can you please specify?
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I have herd that rice hulls work well. I haven't tried them but I did order some. My only concern is that they will become water logged with all of the rain we receive in South Florida. Time will tell.
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a lot of mulches if allowed to totally dry out will be hydrophobic, causing water to run-off.
This isn't necessarily a bad thing, because the water presumably is running off the mulch and down into the soil or potting mix. Then once the soil/mix is wet, the dry-ish mulch should still act to help retain moisture, if for no other reason than blocking the sun.
If you keep the mulch moist, it will not have that repellent effect, i suspect.
I'm not sure you necessarily have a problem.
The only kind of mulch I would personally NOT use are:
synthetic/rubber mulches (little/no organic value)
un-mulched leaves (can create mats and block oxygen to the soil/roots)
walnut hulls (juglone - except if the plants are immune)
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Inner-city organic mulches available to me for FREE...
Grass clippings
Leaves
Weeds
Tree and shrub trimmings
Just be sure of your source.... From your own property is best.
Be wary of herbicides, pesticides, tobacco by products... not good at all!
Kevin Jones
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Just type "Orange County mulch" and you will have your answer.
Hm, sorry I can't seem to find "Orange County mulch." Can you please specify?
Maybe these guys?
http://www.petersonstreeworks.com/cheap-mulch.html (http://www.petersonstreeworks.com/cheap-mulch.html)
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Or this. Probably fewer listings than usual: https://orangecounty.craigslist.org/search/zip?sort=priceasc&query=mulch
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I get it from the tree trimmers for free. We use literally tons and tons of it every year.
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I get it from the tree trimmers for free. We use literally tons and tons of it every year.
Are you referring to the Mexican landscaping trucks that take care of the lawns in the neighborhood?
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I think he means like tree service companies. They chip up the branches they remove and makes great mulch.
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Yeah tree trimmers, they have wood chippers and a truck they fill up and are usually happy to dump it for free. It may be too much hassle if you live in a residential area. In that case a recycler place like a dump or private recycler will have the same stuff usually. That way you dont have to store a whole dump truck full.
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Just got this load of eucalyptus a week ago. The internet experts say eucalyptus and pine are no good but thats pretty much all I use and my plants are fine. It just has to age a bit.
(https://i.postimg.cc/fkjyt83x/20200530-135744.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/fkjyt83x)
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I'm using medium barks from HD and orchid barks.
The orchid barks are better looking.
If you want to retain water you should use compost then mulch over compost.
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Use the ground up leaves of the tree you using the mulch for. Loquat leaves are awesome for mulch.
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I find a tree service company in my neighborhood that is cutting down a tree and ask them to drop off the wood chips at my house for free. It actually is easier and cheaper for them to leave at your house, so beneficial for both. They usually have a truckload, but if you want a small amount, bring a container and ask if you can fill it up. The chips they have include the leaves as well which add more nutrition. Over time, it will break down and help keep your soil/plants healthy.