GardenBanter.co.uk - View Single Post - what to use for garden mulch to reduce evaporation

David E. Ross · 18-03-2008, 01:00 AM posted to rec.gardens

On 3/17/2008 2:49 PM, wrote:
Last year was insane

It was so hot and dry and no rain for weeks and weeks

I think i spent an average of $40 a month just on the vegetable garden and
shrubs.

I was thinking of using Hay or Straw I am not sure what I can get

I need something that will reduce water evaporation and not cause growth of
mold.

I really need some hints this year
last year i resorted to letting everything but the zucinni and the tomatoes
die because it was costing too much and taking too much time to water often
2 times a day for 30 minutes or more just for the garden.

Like you, my concern is keeping the soil cool and moist. I try to keep
a leaf mulch in my garden year round. Some parts of my garden are
exposed to strong winds; there, I use tree branches or even chicken wire
to hold the leaves in place. Around my camellias (which don't want a
lot of nutrients), I use the output from my officer shredder; this seems
to stay in place better than leaves. Yesterday, I mulched some newly
planted roses with the "fallout" from my ash tree (Fraxinus uhdei), the
annoying fluff that rains down while the tree is in bloom.

--
David E. Ross
Climate: California Mediterranean
Sunset Zone: 21 -- interior Santa Monica Mountains with some ocean
influence (USDA 10a, very close to Sunset Zone 19)
Gardening pages at http://www.rossde.com/garden/