Mulch that will repel/ not harbor insects?
coatfetish
8 years ago
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What type of soil is good for a flower bed but may repel insects?
Comments (7)All soils are organic, but buying something called "topsoil" from a big box store is usually an exercise in futility since the only definition of "topsoil" is that it is the top 4 to 6 inches of soil from someplace. There is no definition of what "garden soil" might be so do not allow labels to determine what you buy. If you need to purchase some soil buy a small quantity and take a good look at what you did buy and determine if that is what you want. Good soil, loam, is about 45 percent sand, 25 percent silt, 25 percent clay, and 5 percent organic matter and I would use that as my criteria when looking for soil for my garden. A simple test can be used to determine if that soil is something you want. 1) Soil test for organic matter. From that soil sample put enough of the rest to make a 4 inch level in a clear 1 quart jar, with a tight fitting lid. Fill that jar with water and replace the lid, tightly. Shake the jar vigorously and then let it stand for 24 hours. Your soil will settle out according to soil particle size and weight. For example, a good loam will have about 1-3/4 inch (about 45%) of sand on the bottom. about 1 inch (about 25%) of silt next, about 1 inch (25%) of clay above that, and about 1/4 inch (about 5%) of organic matter on the top. I know of no soil that will repel insects and grow plants. This post was edited by kimmsr on Tue, Oct 8, 13 at 7:22...See MoreCedar Mulch and Insects
Comments (2)re, RJ: Yeah, but imagine how many bugs you would have had if you had regular mulch! :-) Of course, I'm kidding. Thanx. I'll probably stick with the cedar anyway as it cheap at our local HD....See Moresoil repelling water (+voles)
Comments (15)That Master Gardener gave you good advice but you have not added enough organic material to the soil. Your North Carolina State University Cooperative Extension Service people will tell you to add more organic material to the soil. In North Carolina soil testing is free (most of the year) because of a surcharge on commercial fertilizers. Voles are primarily vegetarians, although they are known to eat already dead animals as well. They do not eat insects, however and do not have anything to do with indicating soil health. Perhaps this video about "The dirt on healthy soil" from Growing a Greener World might be of some help. http://www.growingagreenerworld.com/organic-matter-soil-testing/ kimmq is kimmsr...See MoreMulch Ideas for Repelling Insects
Comments (6)What kind of insects? And what kind of 'cedar'? ("cedar" is a generic term that is applied to various conifer species that may or may not be actual cedar). In my area, 'cedar' will typically refer to Western red cedar, Thuja plicata, and this has a well established reputation for repelling certain insects. It is what they use to line closets and clothes storage systems. According to Washington State University, Western red cedar mulch repels, kills or can inhibit insects like termites, cockroaches, cloth-eating moths, carpet beetles, mosquitoes, mites, fleas and various ant species. The wood of these trees is also resistant to decay, allowing it to last longer than other mulches. It is by far the most common mulch available in this area. In other parts of the country, you will get a similar insect repellency from Eastern red cedar (Juniperus virginiana) or from eucalyptus mulch. But be aware that any wood mulch will also provide a hiding place/safe harbor for things like sow or pill bugs, earwigs and slugs or snails. No mulch, regardless of source, will deter or repel all insects....See More
coatfetish
8 years agocoatfetish
8 years ago
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