To mulch or not to mulch

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pvc12

Registered:1339637279
Posts: 48

Posted 1369101560	Reply with quote #1

Question: What is the best mulch (if any) to use on top of my potted fig trees? I have read that granular limestone is a good choice but I have looked high and low and cannot find this. I have found pelletized limestone but it seems to melt into the soil quickly when water is added and doesn't work as a mulch. I have recently added pine mulch but I have been told to remove it because it will add acid to the soil. Any ideas, suggestions, or personal experience with what works best (and is readily available) would be greatly appreciated. Thanks! __________________ Paul NY - Zone 5

OttawanZ5

Registered:1192897779
Posts: 2,551

Posted 1369102743	Reply with quote #2

Many peopel use Pine bark nuggets as an ingredient of potting soil for figs. That should also work as top mulch as well. __________________ Ottawan-Z5a, Canada

Tonycm

Registered:1314411773
Posts: 922

Posted 1369104183	Reply with quote #3

Since pine nuggets are added to the soil mix for figs it wouldn't make much difference it you used it for mulch. If you add pelletized lime to the soil it would help neutralize any acid from the mulch plus whatever is added to the mix. __________________ Zone 6a Sarver, PA Wish list; Rafed's Genovese Nero

ForeverFigs

Registered:1351425467
Posts: 1,062

Posted 1369136815	Reply with quote #4

Granular limestone is readily available in Home Depot outdoor garden area...they sell three types of lime(right next to each other)...regular powdered lime...pelletized lime...and granular lime(under the brand name Soil Doctor Rx) __________________ Vince Edison N.J. Zone 6b Wish List: LaRadek's EBT

bullet08

Registered:1284496248
Posts: 6,920

Posted 1369139013	Reply with quote #5

i don't mulch my fig trees, but i do mulch others. it gets so hot during the summer here, mulch or no mulch, i still have to water twice a day. then again mine are all in container. don't use fast acting lime. they do funny things to young fast growing fig plants. go for garden lime/dolomite lime. __________________ Pete Durham, NC Zone 7b "don't talk to me about naval tradition. It's nothing but rum, sodomy and the lash." - sir winston churchill "the problem with socialism is that eventually you run out of other people's money." - the baroness thatcher *** all my figs have FMV/FMD, in case you're wondering. * * and... i don't sell things. what little i have will be posted here in winter for first come first serve base to be shared. no, i'm not a socialist...***

Womack

Registered:1328644960
Posts: 262

Posted 1369173173	Reply with quote #6

All wood mulches that I know of are acidic. Pine is supposed to more acidic than others. Either way to me the benefits of mulching (moisture retention, moderated soil temp., and weed suuppression) outweigh the bad. The acidity of the mulch can be mitigated by a light sprinkling of lime. __________________ Womack Northwest Georgia 7b Wish list: Col de Dame Gris, Black Tuscan, Socorro Black

Alan1631

Registered:1347991991
Posts: 145

Posted 1369182893	Reply with quote #7

I mulch mine heavily with wood clilppings from the tree trimmers for the power company. It is free and I put it about 8" thick. I add some granular limestone before I put the mulch down. It keeps the ground cool and prevents RKN. __________________ Alan _____________________________ Zone 9 - Central Florida Wish List: Panache, Bourjosotte Gris, Raspberry Latte, Petite Negri, Black Maderia, Cajun Honey

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