Mulch and compost....how to use both properly?

4 years ago

last modified: 4 years ago

We are avid "composters" and so as the compost matures it gets distributed in the garden throughout the season. (But of course there is never enough :)).
Each year I feel I am a bit overwhelmed with the weeding and depending on the weather, the watering. And so it has always been in the back of my mind to apply a commercial mulch to several inches thick throughout the garden to suppress weed growth and help in water retention.Specifically, after lots of looking, I am considering bringing in this particular MULCH for this Fall i.e. shredded pine.But looking ahead to next year I just wonder how one applies fresh compost when there is a thick layer of mulch on top. Do you simply spread the compost.....on top of the mulch? But if one does that then I would think that it wouldn't be long till weeds took hold in the compost 'dirt' as it is on top of the mulch.Help me understand the use of compost and mulch in a perennial garden.

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nicholsworth Z6 Indianapolis

4 years ago

last modified: 4 years ago

I BELIEVE in compost..this is our bin..these pictures were taken the same day..the piled up debris (gusty winds ripped out green leaves) and then the chipped debris..I've used fertilizer on my tropical plants and my annuals in containers..my perennials and shrubs just get compost..I was so proud that once an arborist (here to price a tree job) said "I have to ask..what kind of fertilizer do you use?..these plants look really good"..I took this as a big compliment..an arborist sees LOTS of plants..I would love to say that I give every plant a sprinkling of compost every year..it's my intention but it doesn't happen..but when I see a low spot near a plant I take care of it..I use compost everywhere on everything..

I have ONE area with a purchased triple shredded hardwood mulch..a service alley next to the house..I don't want to grow anything there..just so you know - I have weeds..but also lots of volunteers..the path with the aggregate circles is full of hosta and hellebores..

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