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October 2006
Maintain throughout the year a 3 inch layer of mulch that you spread at
planting. Mulches conserve soil moisture, moderate hot and cold soil
temperatures, keep weeds at bay and give the planting a finished appearance.
Organic mulches include bark, wood chips, compost, partially composted leaves,
sawdust, straw, lawn clippings and pine needles. The finer the mulch, the faster
it decomposes. Decomposing organic mulches add humus to the soil but deplete the
soil nitrogen, a necessary nutrient. Watch for pale new shoots and leaves which
indicate low nitrogen. An application of high nitrogen fertilizer (20-10-10)
should correct this problem.
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Smith's Nursery, Inc.