Be a Bay-Friendly Landscaper Gardening Whether our garden is in a window box or on a large plot, many of us enjoy growing our own vegetables, fruits, flowers, and herbs. By using effective gardening techniques and planting the right plants, we can have a garden to be proud of, while preserving the soil, enhancing the absorption of rainfall, and protecting local storm drains and canals from sediment and chemicals. Start by picking the right spot for planting. Choose a location with good natural drainage and plants appropriate for the light (shade, partial sun, or full sun). Avoid sloping beds; they let topsoil wash away during heavy rains.
Plants to Avoid Some plants introduced to the Island are invasive and spread quickly, choking out indigenous plants. These include garlic mustard, Japanese stilt grass, phragmites, oriental bittersweet, Japanese knotweed, knapweed, Japanese honeysuckle, bamboo, and barberry. For a complete list, visit the Native Plant Society of NJ website.
Mulching Mulch is a protective covering of compost, straw, grass clippings, or leaves placed around plants. Many LBI gardeners like to use seaweed as mulch. Mulch can add nutrients, make the soil more workable, aid rainwater penetration, help control weeds, and improve the moisture-retaining capacity of soil. Mulch also minimizes loss of nutrients and topsoil. A 2-inch layer is sufficient. Do not pile mulch against tree trunks. Leave space between the mulch and the tree. Avoid using landscaping plastic beneath decorative rock or bark. The plastic prevents water from entering the soil. Use woven materials that accomplish the task of weed control while permitting water penetration. Another idea is to spread several layers of newspaper. Wet them thoroughly and then cover them with mulch. The newspaper will eventually decay and add organic matter to the soil. We’re used to thinking that the perfect garden is one with weed-free bare soil surrounding our chosen plants. It’s time we rethink that picture.
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