Worst Spring Mulches

John's Corner: Worst Spring Mulches Mulch Corner By: John Ferguson In this column we are going to answer your questions on mulch. In the first issue we discussed the three best types of mulch hence this week we will look at the three worst types.  Researchers have...

Wood Chip Mulches

John's Corner: Wood Chip Mulches Mulch Corner By: John Ferguson Last week we talked about using compost as a mulch since we had some questions on the subject. This time we are going to continue our discussion on some of the other types of organic mulches a gardener...

Why Organic Mulches

John's Corner: Why Organic Mulches Mulch Corner By: John Ferguson This week I had a customer ask me why we recommend organic mulches over shredded tires or gravel. These have their place and will be discussed in future articles.  Why Organic Mulches:  Organic mulches...

Volcano Mulching

John's Corner: Volcano Mulching Mulch Corner By: John Ferguson Since we have been discussing mulches it seems time to discuss the practice of pilling mulch up on the trunk of a tree that is commonly called “volcano mulching”. It is very harmful to the tree...

Utility Mulch

John's Corner: Utility Mulch Mulch Corner By: John Ferguson This is the 31st article on mulches and the last in the series for a while. Today I want to talk about a new type of mulch called “Utility Mulch”. This mulch is NOT for use in horticulture or...

Types of Mulches

John's Corner: Types of Mulches Mulch Corner By: John Ferguson This week we are going to start looking at the different types of mulches available in Houston and the Gulf Coast.  Our understanding of the importance of biology and organics in soil and plant health has...

Toxic Mulch Syndrome Part 3

John's Corner: Toxic Mulch Syndrome Part 3 Mulch Corner By: John Ferguson It appears that the issue of toxic (sour) mulch has reappeared. This past weekend I heard Randy Lemon of Garden Line fame talking about sour mulches. I have talked with a couple new customers...

Toxic Mulch Syndrome Part 2

John's Corner: Toxic Mulch Syndrome Part 2 Mulch Corner By: John Ferguson In the last issue Brenda shared her experience using CHEAP mulch after hurricane Ike a few years ago when many of her plants then died. There are several possibilities why this may have...

Toxic Mulch Syndrome Part 1

John's Corner: Toxic Mulch Syndrome Part 1 Mulch Corner By: John Ferguson In the last issue Brenda shared her experience using CHEAP mulch after hurricane Ike a few years ago when many of her plants then died. There are several possibilities why this may have...

Fire Risk Related to Mulch

John's Corner: Fire Risk Related to Mulch Mulch Corner By: John Ferguson This past week driving around town I noticed several grass fires related to the hot weather and drought. With the 4th of July holiday weekend upon us with fireworks celebrations, bar-b-ques, etc....

Spring Time Mulch

John's Corner: Spring Time Mulch Mulch Corner By: John Ferguson Ever year about this time we start receiving calls about various things folks are seeing in their mulch. In the spring gardeners start digging in their flowerbeds and start planting. This year we have had...

Some of the Other Types of Organic Mulches

John's Corner: Some of the Other Types of Organic Mulches Mulch Corner By: John Ferguson Last week we talked about a few other types of mulch that are available. This time we are going to continue our discussion on some of the other types of organic mulches a gardener...

Rubber Tire Mulch Update #2

John's Corner: Rubber Tire Mulch Update #2 Mulch Corner By: John Ferguson I was reading another study this morning from Yale University where they were testing the crumb rubber that is used to make rubber mulch and used in sports fields with artificial turf. The...

Redwood Mulch

John's Corner: Redwood Mulch Mulch Corner By: John Ferguson Last week we talked about Cedar mulches available in Houston area and along the Gulf Coast. This week we are going to look at Redwood mulches.Redwood mulches are available in two forms, bark (shredded or...

Plastic Mulches

John's Corner: Plastic Mulches Mulch Corner By: John Ferguson Last week we looked at gravel and stone mulches. This week we are going to look at the second largest class of inorganic mulch, plastic.  Clear or black plastic can be used to warm the soil in spring but...

Native Mulches Part 2

John's Corner: Native Mulches Part 2 Mulch Corner By: John Ferguson This week we are going to continue to look at the best type of mulch called “Native Mulch”.  Native Mulch (fresh ground) – This mulch comes directly out of the grinder. It does not...

Native Mulches

John's Corner: Native Mulches Mulch Corner By: John Ferguson Last week we talked about Redwood mulches available in Houston area and along the Gulf Coast. This week we are going to look at the best type of mulch “Native Mulch”.  For years gardening experts...

Mulching Pitfalls Part 3

John's Corner: Mulching Pitfalls Part 3 Mulch Corner By: John Ferguson Mulch made from fresh ground trees can also cause problems in some cases. In fresh wood there is an abundance of soluble carbon compounds that can accumulate in the soil as the fresh wood chips...

Mulching Pitfalls Part 2

John's Corner: Mulching Pitfalls Part 2 Mulch Corner By: John Ferguson This week we continue with gardening issues associated with mulch. Previously we talked about the colored and ashen mulches being sold in and around Houston.  Last week I was asked if I could go...

Mulching Pitfalls

John's Corner: Mulching Pitfalls Mulch Corner By: John Ferguson This week we continue with gardening issues associated with mulch.  Remember that many types of mulch develop various types of fungus on its surface as it decays. A few common types are artillery fungus,...

Living Mulches

John's Corner: Living Mulches Mulch Corner By: John Ferguson Last Saturday at the Woodlands Landscaping Solutions garden event I was asked by several people how they could economically improve their soil on large acreages. We can do this by using what is known as...

Inorganic Mulches: Specialty Plastics

John's Corner: Inorganic Mulches: Specialty Plastics Mulch Corner By: John Ferguson Last week we looked at clear plastic so this week we are going to take a brief look at specialty plastic mulches. These plastic mulches share many of the benefits and negatives of...