The Mulch Book: A Complete Guide for Gardeners (Down-to-Earth Book) (Paperback)

by Stu Campbell (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Details on how to use bark, stones, hay, compost, plastic sheeting, and other materials as a barrier to keep weeds out and beneficial elements in. Includes information that will allow readers to create their own mulches and select appropriate mulches for specific plants.

From the Back Cover
Weeding. Watering. Soil improvement. Frost and heat protection. Wouldn't it be wonderful if these gardening chores could be simplified with one easy method? They can! For years, successful gardeners and landscapers have hailed mulching as the labor-saving way to reduce the need for weeding and watering, while at the same time it improves soil and protects plants from harsh weather. The Mulch Book shows you how to use mulching to your best advantage.

By covering soil with materials such as bark chips, stones, chopped hay, or special commercial mulches, gardeners can crowd out light and prevent weeds from growing. Moisture evaporation is significantly reduced when mulches are applied, so less watering is required. Organic mulches contribute valuable nutrients to the soil and help improve soil structure, for healthier, faster-growing plants. And mulch insulates the soil, offering protection against both frost and extreme heat.

The Mulch Book details everything you need to know about mulching, including:
* How much mulch to use
* When to apply mulch for maximum benefit
* What mulches best suit specific plants -- an A to Z directory for fruits, vegetables, and ornamental plants
* Information on the newest mulching products, including geotextiles
* How to make your own mulch
* How to obtain mulches for free

A little mulching goes a long way in the garden or landscape. Discover for yourself the many benefits mulch has to offer you.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 120 pages
• Publisher: Storey Publishing, LLC; Rev Upd Su edition (January 5, 1991)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0882666592
• ISBN-13: 978-0882666594
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.9 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #517,856 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars How to mulch effectively and inexpensively, April 14, 2000

By A Customer

As a novice gardener, I found this book to be extremely informative and inspiring in my quest to create the perfect mulch. The quick reference guide is very useful in that it provides necessary information about each type of mulch, such as decomposition speed, soil moisture retention and relative cost. I also found the section of definitions especially helpful in trying to determine the best mulch for my garden. It's amazing how many different common products can be used to create a mulch that is rich in nutrients, appealing to the eye and terrific in water retention. Overall, I view this book as a strong addition to my library of gardening books.