Viewing post #1995884 by Moondog

ac91z6 said:I currently have a cypress mulch, and after having to treat for termites I found in one of my rose beds (@#$%@#$!!!! ) I'm seriously thinking about switching to a groundcover or something else. I do have plenty of leaves, and I've built a pallet bin to store them for future use.

I put cardboard under my mulch, and will continue to do that. I've got lots of earthworms, so despite my clay soil (is there anything else in Missouri that isn't currently underwater?) it's not bad dirt.

If you use mulch, what do you use and how long does it last? I know rocks can heat up and fry leaves, not to mention I'd need to keep them contained in the beds and away from mower blades. I'm wary of rubber mulch; I'll be planting pole beans and a few other edibles on my trellises until the climbers are too big for that. I could stick with wood mulch, if there are types the termites can't eat.

Do you use leaves? How long do they last? How often do you have to 'top off' through the season?

Do you use living mulches/groundcover plantings? What do you use; Perennial, annual, sedum, dianthus, etc., etc., How much care do they take? I've heard of using strawberries, and I like that idea. I just want something that's effective, and doesn't just create more areas to weed.

For those who have beds that border their house, what do you use there? I have three such beds, and while they aren't big they will need some mulching - currently the Creeping Charlie/ground ivy is providing a ground cover

So many garden chores, so little time when it isn't 1. raining 2. hot AND humid 3. MOSQUITOS! Ack, I'm going to have to fog my yard or something.

For mosquitoes, check out "Spartan Mosquito Eradicator". It's supposed to be set out earlier in the year, however, "better late than never".
They work!!!
Check out the "Texas Gardening Forum", in the forum list (on this website). Find the "Spartan Mosquito Eradicator" thread. There's a ton of info.
Good luck!