Soil, Fertilizer, Mulch & Compost - January 2009

Please Note: All recommendations are for central Maryland.  Time frames shift two weeks earlier in Southern Maryland and the Eastern Shore and two weeks later for Western Maryland.  Check publications for further information.

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• Soil

• Fertilizer

• Mulch

• Compost

• Past tips

Soil

This is a good time to have your soil tested. Soil test results and recommendations are very important for proper nutrient management of lawns, flowers, vegetables and landcsape plants.

Fertilizer

Keep stored dry fertilizers sealed up in your shed or basement to keep moisture out.

Do not attempt to melt ice this winter with granular garden fertilizers.  They are very corrosive to concrete and metal, and contribute to waterway pollution.  Look for deicing materials containing magnesium chloride.  Other formulas containing sodium chloride, potassium chloride and calcium chloride are also suitable but can be corrosive and burn plants if not applied correctly.  Avoid all products containing urea because of its potential to contaminate watersheds and its corrosiveness. It’s very important to keep all ice melting materials away from landscape plants.  Builder’s also known as “all purpose” sand is very good to use to improve traction on slippery surfaces. 

Mulch

If you have not mulched your garden yet, apply mulch now to perennial beds, trees and shrubs with fallen leaves.  This will help to protect plant crowns and shallow root systems from severe cold weather.  Typically our coldest weather is yet to come in February so there is still time to help your plants with mulch. 

Compost

Although it is winter your compost pile microbes are still active, although greatly reduced, and so you can continue to add to it even during cold weather. When adding to your compost pile, keep large sticks, roots and woody stems out of your compost pile.  They take too long to breakdown and make it difficult to turn the ingredients. Consider placing a tarp or lid over your pile to prevent water logging and nutrient leaching over the winter. 

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2009 Soil, Fertilizer, Mulch and Compost Tips

2008 Soil, Fertilizer, Mulch and Compost Tips