mulch

[fblandscape]

For those of you who buy mulch on a regular basis. The product that you buy, has it been composted for the appropriate 6 months, or is it straight out of the machine? If you do not buy composted mulch, would you be willing to spend more for mulch which has been left to sit for 6 months?

[Kirk]

I guess this would greatly depend on the type of mulch we are talking about here.

[darryl gesner]

I use only fresh cedar mulch. Why would you want it composted for six months? Is there something I don't know?

[fblandscape]

By letting the mulch compost for 6 months, you allow for the C:N ratio to drop. By doing this you cut back on the N which is robbed from the soil when the microbes start to degrade the mulch.

[darryl gesner]

O.K., thanks. Makes sense.

[jkelton]

I try to buy composted mulch whenever I can - unfortunately, some suppliers do not adhere to composting principles. As long as the color is OK, most of them do not care. Also, the C:N ratio depends on the type of mulch you choose. I understand the reason for using composted mulch, but unfortunately most people in the business (and end consumers) do not.