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Applying compost and mulch over a dense perennial bed

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Posted by paulsiu 5a (My Page) on
Sat, Jun 2, 12 at 8:43

OK,

I am attempting to fix a ground cracking issue where the soil is clayish and deep cracks are appearing. Unfortunately, the cracks are over some bee balms, which are spread into a colony. I want to dump some compost over the soil and then mulch, but I was told that thsi stuff should not touch the stem and cause crown rot. How do I get around all of those stems? Is there a trick?

Paul

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RE: Applying compost and mulch over a dense perennial bed

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I have never found this to be an issue with perennials. I routinely mulched over the top of my mixed borders, both in late fall and again in spring, after most plants have emerged from their winter dormancy. Unless you are watering excessively - and you really won't need to water nearly as much with a good layer of mulch - there is little concern about crown rot. I would avoid mulching over the top of those plants that want really fast draining soils - lavender, agastache and the like.

The biggest concern with mulches and rot is when it is piled up against the woody stems of shrubs and trees and holding moisture against the wood all winter.

You do know that compost applied in a layer on top of the soil - a top dressing - is a perfectly good mulch? I'm not sure I see any need to duplicate the effort by adding a different mulch on top.

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