FALL MULCHING

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Finally, mulches won't smother all weeds. Some particularly tough weeds have the fortitude to push themselves up through just about any mulch. These should be easy to spot, however, and even more easily plucked when growing in a mulched bed.

Soil Temperature

The effect mulching has on soil temperatures is probably one of the most often overlooked benefits. Many of us are more concerned with aboveground temperatures and don't spend much time pondering what's happening underground. Simply stated: Mulch is insulation. It keeps the soil around your plants' roots cooler on warm days and warmer on cold nights. This is especially important during rapid temperature shifts.

In cold weather, mulch works to prevent the soil from alternately freezing and thawing, which leads to soil heaving and root damage. This doesn't mean the soil won't freeze; it just won't happen overnight. It's those rapid changes that not only threaten aboveground growth, but may also send tender plant roots into shock, Winter mulches are usually applied in the fall after the plants are dormant, and are removed the following spring.

What to Mulch

You'll want to mulch anything that needs protection from moisture loss, temperature change, or weed infestation In the fall, though, more often than not that means rhododendrons, azaleas, roses, bulbs, and annuals. I say "more often than not" because, with seasons and climates varying so much throughout the country, a blanket statement would be inaccurate. That said, here is my advice.

Rhododendrons and azaleas. As far as these are concerned, unmulched plants, or those with an insufficient amount of mulch, may suffer from chlorosis (yellow or blanched leaves), weak or underdeveloped leaves, or even death. These plants cannot tolerate hot, dry soil. Their feeding roots are severely injured under such condidont and be plant has trouble putting out healthy leaves, never mind spectacular blooms. Mulching can help cool the roots and hold moisture.

In addition, since these are mostly evergreen plants, which carry their leaves all winter, they are continually losing water to the air. If there is an inadequate amount of soil moisture, the plant will lose water faster than it can replace it. The end result will be brown, scorched foliage, which in extreme cases may just give up the ghost and drop off. By watering the ground well and mulching in the fall, you can insulate the soil from sudden temperature changes and ensure that rhododendrons have an ample moisture supply.

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