Spring is fast approaching. Of course, spring is the season to mulch around your flowerbeds
Spring is fast approaching. Of course, spring is the season to mulch around your flowerbeds, especially in Baltimore, MD. In this blog, we’ll give you some tips not only how to mulch, but to garden in eco-friendly ways. So let’s get started! As always, Lehnhoff’s Landscaping is there for all your soil and mulching needs.
The Healthier Your Soil, the Better to Mulch Your Flowerbeds!
- Try using a method of natural weed control: There are many ways to go about this. You don’t need chemicals if natural ingredients such as corn gluten meal can work. Also try using mulched oak leaves from the fall. These leaves help control weeds the following spring. For small spots of weeds, use white vinegar. White vinegar can eliminate dandelions, crabgrass, and everything in between! It doesn’t take much time, and can be a great money saver as well.
- Don’t water as much, but water more deeply: This might seem strangely counterproductive at first. Watering plants less often actually makes them stronger. Their roots reach deeper to grab more water, too. In the summertime, the surface might dry up, but deeper water underground will still be available. It’s best to water the plants in the morning or in the evening. This way, the sun won’t evaporate the water before the plants can use it. Finding the right balance of water with help the soil and discourage weed growth as well. You’ll need less time getting your sprinklers going, and best of all, you can reduce your water bill too.
- Use composting: Over-fertilizing your gardens or other landscaping can harm them. Add about a quarter-inch of compost to your gardens early in the springtime. Doing this will allow your gardens to get a better, healthier start. For small gardens, you can boost them just with scraps from the kitchen. Decomposing food scraps will saturate the soil. Then the soil will be full of vital minerals and encourage worms to take residence. Worms can help keep soil aerated as well. But it’s best to stay clear of onions, garlic, and broccoli for this purpose. A weekend day early in spring (maybe the same day you add the compost, if you use different composting material!) is best for this process.
- Avoid using fertilizer: Speaking of fertilizer, you will want to get your soil’s pH level tested. The pH level will tell you if you even need to use fertilizer at all. If your soil’s pH level is 5.5 or higher, you don’t need fertilizer.
- Choose native plants: Choosing native plants is healthier for your garden and for the environment. Of course, this doesn’t mean you should shy away and exclude other plants. Still, pay close attention to what conditions the plants need to thrive. Exercise common sense as you follow this step. Plants that need shade will wilt under full sunlight. Also, native plants resist pests and weeds better. What’s more, you can help regenerate plants that are native to the area around the Chesapeake Bay.
‘Tis the season to mulch around your flowerbeds with Lehnhoff’s Landscaping
Thinking about your next landscaping project? Lehnhoff’s Landscaping offers professional and exceptional outdoor lighting, hardscaping, and landscaping year-round. We also offer dumpster rental, bulk material delivery, and drainage solutions. We serve Baltimore, Chevy Chase, Montgomery County, Clarksville, Howard County, Ellicott City, Kingsville, Bowie, Pasadena, Towson, and many other areas throughout Maryland.