Spring Mulching Guide

A mulched bed frames your plants while also protecting them from weeds and winter conditions

With Memorial Day Weekend upon us, many gardeners will look to a few lingering projects to tackle over the next few days. Making sure your beds have a proper amount of mulch is a great place to start.

We mulch for a number of reasons: to retard weed growth, to improve moisture retention of the soil, and to give your garden a fresh finished look.

Types of Mulch

We offer a wide assortment of mulches at Estabrook's, from bulk goods to premium Coast of Maine products for those special areas you want to showcase. To give your beds an heir of distinction while also providing important organic protection, we especially recommend the following two mixes:

	Coast of Maine Aged Cedar Mulch Touting better moisture retention than dark bark, Aged Cedar has been aged naturally to create a rich chocolate brown color that won't fade under the stress of sunlight. This mulch will also aid in repelling insects and rodents! SPECIAL! $4.69 per bag (regularly $5.99)
	Coast of Maine Dark Harbor Blend A great source of organic material for your garden, Dark Harbor Blend is an exceptionally rich, fine-textured blend that is perfect for your perennial beds. Since it has been composted naturally, this mulch won't rob your soil of nitrogen like traditional barks.

How to Apply Mulch

When applying mulch, remember these important steps:

1. Edge around the plants and beds, removing any grass that has crept in from the previous year(s) while maintaining a 3-4" V-shaped drop from where the grass ends and the drip line of the plant begins. This will allow more mulch depth near the side of the drip line where runner grasses enter and prevent more from encroaching. Estabrook's also carries garden edging if you prefer.
2. Avoid mixing soil into the mulch as you apply it - dormant weed seeds can sprout in the mulch, which works against you.
3. Water well after application; this will ease any root disturbance you may have caused to the plants.
4. If applying mulch every year, consider applying just a thin dress up layer, since repeated thick layers will hamper plant growth. In any case, old mulch should be scraped off every 3-5 years then added to the compost or carted away and a fresh layer applied.

The Ten DO's and DON'Ts of Landscaping

Plan Before You Plant will help you visualize your new landscape before breaking ground

Even small landscaping projects can seem daunting. Which plants should I choose? How do I want my beds laid out? What should I keep and what should I toss?

Like any project, dividing it up into smaller parts will make your task easier. We've compiled the following ten DO's and DON'Ts of landscaping to help you tackle "that spot" in your yard.

1. DON'T start without a plan. Selecting plants that "look pretty" can lead to a haphazard accumulation of plants.
2. DO think long term. Keep in mind that plants, especially trees, grow. Always consider the mature size of a plant (10 years at the minimum) before planting.
3. DON'T be afraid to pull out overgrown shrubs and trees. Overgrown plants crowd a house, obscure views from windows, and invite home maintenance problems like wood rot and insects.
4. DO decide where to spend your money. Buying the smaller size of fast growing plants let's you spend more on larger, slower growing plants.
5. DON'T always think straight. Although a straight line is the quickest way from point A to point B, they do not leave much to the imagination. Curved walks and beds slow down the eye and add interest.
6. DO think curb appeal. With the increased popularity of outdoor rooms, the backyard is getting a lot of attention lately - but it's the front yard everyone sees. Money spent on curb appeal is a good investment.
7. DON'T create a monster. A spectacular landscape is a beauty to behold, but beware, that dream garden can turn nightmarish. Definitely assess how much time you are willing to put into maintenance prior to planting.
8. DO plan for low maintenance. Like most of us, time is limited, so create a landscape that meets your time requirements.
9. DON'T think in ones. A single plant can easily get lost in the garden. Think in multiples – preferably odd numbers. Creating swaths of color increases visual impact and reduces maintenance.
10. DO stay ahead of the weeds. Letting weeds go to seed spells trouble in any garden. Take a little time each week to pull weeds that have popped up – it will pay off in the long term.

Finally, DO contact Estabrook's if you have questions. We are here to help. If you need a fresh perspective on your landscape, we now offer our Plan Before You Plant service – landscape design assistance for the homeowner.