The Basics: Evolution of Gardening
The history of gardening can be traced back to ancient civilizations, where people first began cultivating plants for food, medicine, and decorative purposes. However, the concept of gardening as we know it today – a leisure activity that involves the cultivation of ornamental plants and flowers – has evolved significantly over time. Gardening is thought to have originated in ancient Egypt, where people grew plants for medicinal and decorative purposes. The ancient Greeks and Romans also had a love for gardens, and they used them as a place to relax and contemplate. In medieval Europe, monasteries were responsible for much of the cultivation of herbs and vegetables, as they were used for medicinal purposes. During the Renaissance, gardening became more...
The Basics: How Is Mulch Made
Mulch is a layer of material applied to the surface of soil to protect and enrich it. It is used in a variety of horticultural settings, from small home gardens to large commercial nurseries. Mulch can be made from a wide range of natural or synthetic materials, each with its own unique properties and benefits. Organic mulches, such as wood chips, leaves, straw, or bark, are made from plant materials that will eventually decompose and enrich the soil as they break down. These mulches can be made from a variety of sources, including trees, shrubs, and grasses. To make organic mulch, the raw materials are first collected and processed. This can involve chipping, shredding, or grinding the materials to create...
The Basics: History of Mulch
Mulch has been used for centuries to improve soil quality and protect plants. It is a layer of material applied to the surface of soil, and it can be made from a variety of natural or synthetic materials. The practice of mulching dates back to ancient civilizations, and it has evolved over time to become an essential component of modern horticulture. Sidebar The word "mulch" is derived from the Old French word "muche," which means "soft, rotten wood." It is believed to have been first used in this sense in the 16th century, and it referred to the use of soft, decomposed wood as a protective layer around plants. Over time, the meaning of the word "mulch" has expanded to...
Steps to Follow for Building A Garden Bed
Starting a garden bed can be a fun and rewarding project, but it's important to take the time to plan and prepare properly in order to ensure a successful and long-lasting result. Here are some steps to follow when planning to build a garden bed: Choose a location The first step in planning a garden bed is choosing the right location. Consider factors such as sunlight, soil quality, and accessibility when selecting a spot for your garden bed. It's important to choose a location that receives plenty of sunlight. Most plants need at least six hours of direct sunlight per day in order to thrive. If you are unable to find a spot that receives this much sun,...
Indoor Plants for Beginners
Indoor plants are a great way to bring some life and color into your home, especially during the colder winter months when it can be harder to get out and enjoy nature. Not only do they look beautiful, but they can also improve the air quality in your home and even boost your mood. But if you're new to the world of indoor plants, it can be overwhelming trying to figure out where to start. Here's a guide for indoor plant beginners on how to care for and choose the right plants for your home. Choose plants that will thrive in your home's environment Before you even start looking for plants, it's important to consider the conditions in your home....
Why Knowing Your Region's Freezing Dates Is Important
Freezing dates are an important concept for farmers, gardeners, and anyone living in colder regions of the United States. These dates refer to the expected first and last frost of the season, which can have significant impacts on plant growth and survival. Understanding freezing dates can help you choose the right plants for your region, plan your gardening and farming activities, and protect your crops from frost damage. Let's take a closer look at freezing dates and how they're determined, as well as some tips for using them to your advantage in your gardening or farming efforts. What are freezing dates? Freezing dates refer to the expected first and last frost of the season in a particular region. The first...
Fall Clean-Up and Winter Preparation
December 21st will officially be the start of winter in the Northern hemisphere. What does that mean for your beautiful home’s landscape? It means it’s time to prepare your yard(s) for winter through the tips and tasks we’ve laid out below. If you’re lucky enough to live in warmer climates, then you get to skip some of these steps, but we recommend you monitor the temperature swings and prepare accordingly. The Trees The best tip we have for your trees is to wrap them up! Especially those trees that are still young and thin. That’s right, trees need to be warmed up too to avoid damage to the trunks from the brutal cold weather where the sap can freeze and...
The Basics: What, Why, Where, and When to Mulch
What is mulch? Why do you need mulch? Where do you put this mulch? When do you put this mulch? Mulch, mulch, mulch, mulch, mulch. There are many foundational questions that come up about mulch, and it’s important to understand those foundations as they lead into a deeper appreciation for what, why, where, and when it should be used. Did we say mulch enough times already? Let’s dive into the basics What? Mulch can be defined as any material that is used to cover a layer of soil. It can be composed of many different materials, each with their own unique properties, advantages, and disadvantages. The most common type of mulch used is bark which is also known as shredded...
Protecting Your Veggies Against Frost
All plants have a different tolerance to temperature and frost. Here is a list of common garden vegetables. Be sure to look up your specific plant if it didn’t make the list or if there are multiple varieties.
Spring is Here! Now What?
Taking some time to get your property straightened up in the Spring can help you really enjoy the yard all year long. Here at the Mulch Mound, we created a simple list to help get you started.