Advanced Master Gardener Land Care

1. Advanced Master GardenerLand Care Unit 3 Reuse Yardwaste Frank Reilly

3. Review Materials

4. Understand the concept of reusing yardwaste through mulching. Mulch to: Retain soil moisture Control Weeds Prevent soil compaction & prevent erosion Moderate soil temperature (Summer & Winter) Reduce plant disease Provide crop protection Better appearance Underwear concept!

8. Mulch Mulch volumes to cover to a 1 inch depth 1 cubic yard covers 324 ft2 1 cubic foot covers 12 ft2 Calculate yd 3 for your garden: Area to be mulched (Feet) X Depth (inches) 324 Or: http://www.gardenplace.com/content/calculator/mulch_calc.html

9. Mulch Problems Sour Mulch High nitrogen in grass clippings Matting in leaves Weed seeds in compost Alleleopathy C:N ratio & deficiencies Over-mulching Artillery fungus Other �novel� fungi The term "sour" refers to the extreme acidity that occurs under such conditions (reported to be pH 1.8 - 3.6, while that of "normal" mulch is generally close to 7.0). Some reports indicate that pine bark does not sour. The mulch tends to heat as it breaks down, and steam may be seen escaping from the pile when it is finally disturbed. This heat can directly injure plants, if the mulch is not allowed to cool first. However, the more serious problem is that anaerobic composting of hardwood leads to the production of several plant-damaging components, possibly including methane, alcohol, ammonia and hydrogen sulfide. Injury to young, tender plants is swift, usually within one day of mulch application. Symptoms include yellowing or blackening of foliage and leaf drop. Depending on the extent of the injury, plants often are able to recover. Thorough watering, especially during hot, dry weather, will help prevent further stress. Do not apply fertilizer to plants injured by sour mulch; such materials can cause further injury. If plants recover and seem to be lacking in vigor later, a side dressing of nitrogen may be helpful in mid-summer.The term "sour" refers to the extreme acidity that occurs under such conditions (reported to be pH 1.8 - 3.6, while that of "normal" mulch is generally close to 7.0). Some reports indicate that pine bark does not sour. The mulch tends to heat as it breaks down, and steam may be seen escaping from the pile when it is finally disturbed. This heat can directly injure plants, if the mulch is not allowed to cool first. However, the more serious problem is that anaerobic composting of hardwood leads to the production of several plant-damaging components, possibly including methane, alcohol, ammonia and hydrogen sulfide. Injury to young, tender plants is swift, usually within one day of mulch application. Symptoms include yellowing or blackening of foliage and leaf drop. Depending on the extent of the injury, plants often are able to recover. Thorough watering, especially during hot, dry weather, will help prevent further stress. Do not apply fertilizer to plants injured by sour mulch; such materials can cause further injury. If plants recover and seem to be lacking in vigor later, a side dressing of nitrogen may be helpful in mid-summer.

10. Novel Fungi from Mulch Visit Tom Volk or write him http://tomvolkfungi.net/

11. Mulch Timing Perennial Beds � Early Annual beds � when planting or after seeds sprout Trees/Shrubs � whenever Vegetable sets � when planting & renew Vegetable seeds � after sprouting.

12. Preparing Mulch Chipper shredder � bigger IS better Lawn mower Safety First Composting

13. Proper Mulching Check Soil Moisture Check depth Refresh by raking 2-4 inches or less out to drip line No closer than 2-4 in to trunk

14. Problems with too much mulch

15. Brush piles Brush Piles attract wildlife Some communities do not allow brush shelters Some neighbors might not understand their value Use stone piles in your shelter as part of the base to create hiding places and along the edges to serve as basking sites

16. Brush piles Give them structure To avoid toppling, or too rapid decomposition Make them large 4-8 ft tall by 10-25 ft around With openings inside Exclude predators but allow access to smaller animals.

17. Brush piles Isolated piles are not likely to be used Brush piles are flammable. Keep them away from buildings and trees Create three or four brush piles per acre Plant native vines such as wild grape, honeysuckle, and trumpet creeper Rot and decay are a normal process of brush piles

18. GrassCycling Leave the clippings Free fertilizer Decomposition is really fast Even clumps break down fast Mulching mower Sharp Blade Mow when dry

19. Benefits of GrassCycling Reduce yard waste by 20% - 40% or more. Save time, trouble and expense of bagging or putting yard waste in cans Save gas and energy required to transport and process grass clippings Reduce the need for fertilizer by one-third Reduce the demand for water Reduce negative impact on water quality from erosion and pesticide application Provide moisture and nutrients to the soil and cushioning layers to reduce wear �Leaving grass clippings on your lawn can generate up to 25% of the lawn's yearly fertilizer needs Lawns stay greener and healthier when clippings are left on them. Grass clippings don't cause thatch.

20. Novel Reuses Grapevine wreaths Fallen wood in the landscape/pond Fallen wood or sapling fencing Planters Dried grasses and flowers Feeders