THE NATIONAL NURSERYMAN _ 437 
MULCHING 
Before we can intelligently accomplish work of any 
kind, we must understand the purpose for which it is 
done. 
The general impression in regard to mulching is that 
it keeps the plants warm. This is misleading. When 
the ground will freeze solid one and one-half or two 
feet deep under the mulching, as it often does in severe 
weather, it is evident there is not overwhelming warmth 
in the mulch. In fact, a mulch of leaves or stable man¬ 
ure of sufficient hulk to produce heat by fermentation, as 
in a hot-bed, would be harmful to most plants. 
Mulching serves three purposes: First, it prevents dry¬ 
ing out of the roots and the lower portion of the plants it 
comes in contact with. During dry, frosty, windy 
weather, plants are very liable to suffer. We cannot 
give them water, as it would only freeze, hut mulching 
prevents the drying out. Second, it helps to maintain 
an equable temperature at the roots of a plant, and pre¬ 
vents alternate freezing and thawing. Every one has 
noticed how the ground will thaw in bright weather in 
sunny positions, while it will remain frozen where the 
sun does not strike it. 
Without going into the science of it, this alternate 
freezing and thawing will life shallow-rooted plants, and 
those that are not properly established, right out of the 
ground with disastrous results. 
A block containing 10,000 2 year transplanted Barberry Tlumbergi. 
J. E. Stoner, Proprietor. Note the fine bushy plants. 
Westminster Nurseries, Westminster, Mel. 
Photographed August 1. 
A mulch put around such plants will prevent the thaw¬ 
ings, so that when the ground once freezes it stays so un¬ 
til the frost leaves the ground in the spring. 
A covering of snow acts in the same manner, and ex¬ 
plains why some plants come through severe winters in 
the northern latitudes unharmed, while they suffer in 
milder climates. 
The third value is a manurial rather than a protective 
one and depends rather on the kind of mulch used. 
Half-decayed stable manure is the most commonly 
used. It contains much plant food which washes down 
to the roots. 
In many cases it can be forked into the ground in the 
spring, and will be beneficial because it adds humus to 
the soil even though the plant foods have all leached out. 
To sum up the requirements for proper mulching: Do 
not put it on too early; after the ground begins to freeze 
is best. Use mulch four to eight inches deep; light ma¬ 
terial, such as straw or leaves, may be used more lib¬ 
erally than heavier stuff. 
Aim to cover the ground around the trees or smaller 
plants as far as the roots radiate. The distance will he 
known with newly planted stock. With established 
stock as far as the branches or tops reach, is a good rule. 
When mulching the flower borders, do not cover those 
plants that have succulent or tender and evergreen tops 
loo deeply, or it will hold too much moisture around them 
and they will decay, especially if it be a mild winter. 
Such plants as pinks, sweet williams, hardy candytuft, 
stone-crops, gaillardias, larkspurs, pansies and young 
seedlings of all kinds, just enough covering to keep off 
the sun and wind is sufficient. 
