TOM KAN PA wrote:
You remember the anecdote about the thermos, you put a hot liquid in
it, it
keeps it hot, put in a cold liquid, it keeps it cold. HOW DOES IT KNOW
WHAT TO
DO????
Wood mulch, it *keeps weeds from growing*. So you spread the
recommended 3-4
inches to keep the weeds down, but any perennial under the mulch will
return.
HOW DOES IT KNOW WHAT TO DO???

Weeds growing up from under the mulch can grow just as the perennials
can grow, more or less (depending on the type of mulch, the plants in
question, and a myriad of other variables). In some cases you'll need to
pull away some mulch in spring or else some perennials won't come up. In
other cases weeds may come up despite heavy mulch. You are right. The
mulch doesn't know what it's supposed to stop, and what it's supposed to
let come up.

As for weed control, what the mulch does is keep weed seeds away from
the soil. Those that do germinate will germinate in the loose mulch, and
thus be easier to pull.

--
Warren H.

==========
Disclaimer: My views reflect those of myself, and not my
employer, my friends, nor (as she often tells me) my wife.
Any resemblance to the views of anybody living or dead is
coincidental. No animals were hurt in the writing of this
response -- unless you count my dog who desperately wants
to go outside now.
Blatant Plug:
Support me at: http://www.holzemville.com/mall/