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Mulching AND feeding?

Gardening_PunkGardening_Punk Posts: 21
in Problem solving
So, I’m hoping this question isn’t too general.  I appreciate all plants require different feeds and nutrients, some more than others however;

if mulching everything in the garden when planted, (hungry plants with manure, less so with woody mulch), does this reduce/negate the need to feed, or even extend the time before I need to feed? 

I’m good for providing nutrition boosts at the time of planting but I’m struggling knowing when I should be feeding things, I also don’t like the idea of buying something artificial to feed when I can get mulch/well rotted manure cheep/free. I was hoping mulching regularity would remove this need.

Any help appreciated. 

Posts

  • Hostafan1Hostafan1 Posts: 34,889
    If you're regularly mulching with good , nutritious compost IMHO no other " feeding " is required. 
    Feed the soil and it'll feed the plants. 
    Devon.
  • BobTheGardenerBobTheGardener Posts: 11,385
    Mulching with manure would negate the need for additional feeding in most situations.  That is not true for many other types of mulch, including home-made compost and chippings, which contain little in the way of nutrients, so extra may be needed.  However, woody mulches will benefit the soil ecosystem to such an extent over time that the soil itself will be able to naturally provide more food to the plants.  In essence, mulch with well-rotted manure to feed, woody stuff to preserve moisture and improve soil structure.  If you have loads of manure available, that would always be my first choice.
    A trowel in the hand is worth a thousand lost under a bush.
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