Cypress mulch doesn't appear bad: A Comparison of Landscape Mulches: Chemical, Allelopathic, and Decomposition Properties Reference Type Journal, Research (Article) This study compared chemical, allelopathic, and decomposition properties of 6 mulches: cypress, eucalyptus, pine bark, pine needle, melaleuca, and a utility-trimming mulch (GRU). [UMN] This study compared chemical, allelopathic, and decomposition properties of 6 mulches: cypress, eucalyptus, pine bark, pine needle, melaleuca, and a utility-trimming mulch (GRU). Eucalyptus and GRU mulches had the highest decomposition after 1 year (21% and 32%), while only 3% to 7 % of the other mulches decayed. Lignin and lignin:nitrogen ratio were negatively correlated with decomposition; high values resulted in low decomposition. Winter respiration of both eucalyptus and GRU mulches was high, and respiration was positively correlated with decomposition. Pine-straw mulch subsided from 9 cm (3.5 in.) to 4 cm (1.6 in.) during the year, while the other mulches subsided approximately 2 cm (0.8 in). Nutrient composition of the mulches was significantly different, with GRU mulch having the highest levels of calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K). Pine straw was the next highest in N and P. Soils under the mulches were acidified most by pine straw (from a pH of 5.0 to 4.4), followed by pine bark and cypress. In a standard test of allelopathy, all fresh mulches inhibited germination of lettuce seed, and although variable in concentration, all mulches contained hydroxylated aromatic compounds that could have caused these allelopathic effects. After 9 months and 1 year, pine straw and GRU still exhibited allelopathic effects on germination. Cypress, melaleuca, and pine bark retained their color after 1 year, while the other 3 mulches changed to a pinkish gray. [Abstract] Authors M.L. Duryea, R.J. English, L.A. Hermansen Date Published 1999 Journal/Conference Journal of Arboriculture Publisher International Society of Arboriculture Publisher Location Savoy, IL (US) ISBN/ISSN 0278-5226 Volume 25 Number 2 Sub-Topics Maintenance Specifications, Mulching State(s)/Region(s) Florida Keywords Decomposition, Eucalyptus, Mulch, Nutrient compositon, Pinus, Taxodium Libraries UMN http://www.urbanforestrysouth.org/resources/library/Citation.2004-07-28.1055

Trust me on this, Kimmsr gives really good, true advice. I already used pine bark to help my clay soil, sure it really works to make a faster draining soil. The fact is- mulching with compost which feeds the micro life in the soil; makes a loose soil. We may be looking at the bark as a quik fix, when building the soil using compost will creats a long tearm rich, yet loose soil. The more activity of soil organisms will make an easy to grow in soil. I used to install plants and of course we did not have time to build the soil of the location the plants were being planted. The specific landscaper I worked with liked using sand/peat to mix with the soil to loosen it up- a big no no if you ask me as sand just made it heavy and was too fine. I suggested we used mushroom compost that we could get by the truck load for cheap, it worked really great. The landscaper showed me some pruning techniques, and I helped them understand they never have to haul sand ever again!! So, really in the long run- you could add compost/leaves/ect to any native soil type and it will improve over time to the "perfect soil".

Thanks for the advice Tom, next time I am in Tampa I will stop by Treemart. I have kind of come to the conclusion over the past couple of years that there are no deals at Dolins which is why my instincts told me to walk away and check back here first. I looked at the Jungle Growth Professional Flower & Veggie mix at Lowes later that day and it I think it said was a mix of peat and bark. I opted for the "Fast Draining Soil" from Home Depot which looked like a similar product but the bags weren't saturated like the Jungle Mix was and seemed to maybe have a higher bark ratio. I don't know if the fine were composted, but it did contain dolomite. Would this raise (and therefore balance)the pH?. The bag was no bargain but better than Dolins. I have never actually used fines before and needed some to quickly work into some already planted containers to lighten up the badly compacting and water collecting potting soil/peat/perlite. I mix I already had in them. Treemart sounds like a great price and I can't wait to get some for future planting.

I feel your pain on sourcing Jorgen; I haven't been able to find pine bark fines over here either (the pine bark mulches have either been to big or the cypress mulch was too shredded). I haven't tried using pine needles/straw as a bark substitute but it does sound interesting, and they do break down very slowly. And I concur with Jorgen that Coconut husk chips are not locally/nationally available generally, despite the proliferation of coconut trees that dominate much of the natural landscape. I'm not sure of the size of thumbnail chips? Maybe take a picture with a quarter included for size reference. A As to the 5-1-1, I have not been able to find all the sources for it as mentioned but have had decent results with Florida Potting Soils Professional Grower's Mix (it is shipped here in 2 cubic ft bags for 11 dollars or so). Just have to be careful of watering with that one, but as for growing medium it is pretty good.