Guess you noticed that we took a break from blogging. But we are back. Have had many questions about daylilies: mulching, dividing, Ph, winter preparation and alike. So we will be addressing these and other issues that are of interest.
Tonight I would like to discuss Mulch.
Yes, we suggest that you place mulch around your daylilies. Mulch helps cut down on weeds, helps soil retain moisture, helps keep consistent temperature around plant, plus it looks good. It makes the DAYLILIES look good also.
Mulch should be about 3" deep, however keep a 1"-2" area around the crown of the daylily open so the plant "can breathe". This shades the soil, keeping it cooler. Mulch will also help fertilize the soil as it decomposes. Mulch can be placed around daylilies in the spring and then added as needed.
When looking for a good mulch, be sure to remember to get a mulch that is not high in Nitrogen. Large amounts of nitrogen will promote foliage growth and not bloom growth.
Daylilies are hardy perennials and do not usually require mulch for the winter months. If daylilies are set out in the fall, shortly before frost, a light covering of mulch would be beneficial. If you live in a colder zone and wish to use mulch, use a light covering and be sure to take it off in the spring after the danger of frost has past.
There are two types of Mulch: Organic and Inorganic. Organic mulch comes from from natural products and enriches the soil through decomposition. Inorganic mulch is man-made, rarely needs replacing and does not add nutrients to the soil.
Mulch:
Grass clippings ...
mostly weed seed free, widely available, has little nutrients, a good mulch
Hay and Straw ...
widely available, good mulch, get weed seed free if possible
Horse Manure ...
good mixed with wood shavings
Peat Moss ...
when used as a top mulch can from a layer and act as a water shedding agent, not good
Raked Leaves ...
composts well, very little to no nutrients
Pine Needles ...
widely available, weed seed free
Shredded Bark ...
is OK, does not break down quickly, usually used in permanent beds
Saw Dust ...
may deplete soil of nitrogen, packs down too hard, not recommended
Decorative Rock/Stone ...
not a natural mulch, does not add nutrients to soil
Consider personal preference, availability, and locality when choosing an appropriate mulch, because mulching can lead to beautiful, lush, bountiful daylilies.
So until next time, Happy Gardening.
PS This is a good site for general daylily information: http://www.ofts.com/bill/culture.html
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