You may not want to take the time to make your own compost but do want to have organic mulch that isn’t manure based. The best solution is leaf mulch. Leaf mulch provides nutrients to the soil and is very effective at smothering weeds. See www.flowerandgardenmag.com for more information.
Olbrich Botanical Garden is having a Bulk Leaf Mulch Sale on Sept. 25, Oct. 2, 9 and 16 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. According to Samantha Peckham, Olbrich horticulturist, fall is an excellent time to add mulch to the garden because it insulates the garden and gives a headstart to next season. A tractor scoop of mulch cost $40 and will cover about 350 square feet with 2” depth.
In Wisconsin shredded leaf mulch mixed with soil is an excellent insulator for roses if mounded around the base of the rose plant after the first hard frost. To be a hard frost the temperature should remain below 32 degrees F for three consecutive days.
The leaf mulch can also be used to create compost to be used in the spring. For detailed, step by step directions on how to turn shredded leaves into mulch see: www.hearandthere.org.
