Protect Landscapes Against El Niño

With the possibility of record-breaking precipitation this winter, experts say now is the time to take

action by preparing yards against El Niño storm damage.

Heavy rainfall has the potential to cause major devastation, run-off and even mudslides. Highly saturated soils make it hard for plants to survive. In wet soil, it is almost impossible for roots to take up all the oxygen that the plant needs, which causes the roots to decay. Deep roots are the first to rot. If the condition continues shallower roots will also be damaged.

Even plants that don't appear to be flooded may have problems during extended wet weather. And you may not see the damage until next summer. One of the best defenses for your winter landscape is to make sure you have healthy, well-drained soil.

Horticulturists suggest the following tips on how to prevent run-off and yard damage:

• Since good drainage is extremely important to plant health, pre-storm chores should include clearing a place for the rain water to go - clearing weeds from the run-off ditches in yards as well as cleaning out rain gutters and spouts.  
• Amend compacted soil with compost. Adding a few inches of compost to hard, dry soil will open soil, increasing water holding capacity, improving drainage and decreasing runoff.
• Opt for six-packs of groundcover plants as they have larger, more mature roots (beneficial on sloped areas)
• Save top-heavy plants, such as ice plants, for flat areas since they tend to become water-logged and uproot on hillsides during heavy rains
• New landscaping may need additional care during storms
• Rocks can prevent run-off by stopping pathways of rainwater
• Prune trees before storms happen as strong rain storms can cause dead branches to fall and damage property
• Plants that have fibrous roots, such as California wild lilac, are ideal to plant for controlling erosion
• Hemp nets can help keep seeds and new grass in place on hillsides during heavy rain
• Newly created slopes will need to be covered with plastic from top to bottom as they tend to have unstable soil

 

DON'T TEAR YOUR LAWN OUT! There are easier ways to survive this drought.

Higher temps and lack of water can cause folks to resort to drastic measures, such as tearing out lawns and gardens. But there’s no need to go to that extreme.  Check out these tips for saving water and your lawn:

Improve the soil

• Use compost as a mulch in shrub/flower beds to add organic matter to the soil, project the soil, insulate it from high temperatures and retain moisture.

• Aerate and top-dress the lawn with compost to increase the ability of soil to absorb and retain moisture.

• Replace water-intensive plants with drought-tolerant ones and add compost to the soil when planting to improve moisture retention.

• Use compost as a mulch in shrub/flower beds to add organic matter to the soil, project the soil, insulate it from high temperatures and retain moisture.

Make your irrigation system more efficient.

• Check your sprinkler timer cycles.  Does water run off after 20 minutes?  If so, shorten the duration of the cycle and increase the number of cycles.

• If water runs off, shorten the duration of the cycle.

• Install a smart controller with a moisture sensor.  The system will water only when the lawn really needs it.

• Adjust the sprinkler heads so they spray only on the lawn, not pavement or flower beds.

• Replace spray heads with rotors which are more efficient.

• Install separate lines for shrubs/flower beds with fewer cycles and longer duration.

• Install drip lines or soaker hoses for shrubs/flower beds.

 For more info visit us on Facebook email info@harvestblendcompost.com or call (805)925-2771

Mulch in March to Protect Soil & Prevent Weeds

Don’t let recent rains fool you, California continues to experience drought conditions, negatively affecting local landscapes. A great way to conserve water, add nutrients and keep pesky weeds at bay is by applying mulch. This goes for every garden site, from vegetable garden to flower bed. Mulched gardens are healthier, contain fewer weeds and are more drought-resistant then unmulched gardens. Bottom line - you'll spend less time watering, weeding, and fighting pest problems.

There are two basic kinds of mulch: organic and inorganic. Organic mulches include formerly living material such as chopped leaves, straw, grass clippings, compost, wood chips, shredded bark, sawdust, pine needles, and even paper. Inorganic mulches include gravel, stones, black plastic, and geotextiles (landscape fabrics).

Both types discourage weeds, but organic mulches also improve the soil as they decompose. Inorganic mulches don't break down and enrich the soil, but under certain circumstances they're the mulch of choice. For example, black plastic warms the soil and radiates heat during the night, keeping heat-loving vegetables such as eggplant and tomatoes cozy and vigorous.

Using Organic Mulches

There are two cardinal rules for using organic mulches to combat weeds. First, be sure to lay the mulch down on soil that is already weeded, and second, lay down a thick enough layer to discourage new weeds from coming up through it. It can take a 4- to 6-inch layer of mulch to completely discourage weeds, although a 2- to 3-inch layer is usually enough in shady spots where weeds aren't as troublesome as they are in full sun.

 

Mulching with compost will definitely enrich your soil and make your plants happy, but remember, compost is a dense product so a little goes a long way – a 1 inch layer will do the trick. Keep mulch about 1 inch away from crowns and stems, 6-12 inches from shrub and tree trunks.

 

Organic Mulching Mechanics - Spreading organic mulch saves labor and nurtures plants by:

• Preventing most weed seeds from germinating; the few weeds that do pop through the mulch will be easy to pull.
• Protecting soil from temperature changes, reducing the need to water
• Decomposing slowly, releasing nutrients into the soil
• Encouraging earthworm activity, improving soil tilth and nutrient content
• Keeping dirt from splashing on flowers and vegetables

When possible buy compost and other landscape products in BULK! STA Certified Harvest Blend CompostÒ builds healthy soil. Naturally!

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