BDN interviews UMaine, Extension experts about using enough mulch in gardens
The Bangor Daily News interviewed several University of Maine and University of Maine Cooperative Extension faculty members about the appropriate thickness of mulch for gardens. They were interviewed for the article “This is the biggest mistake first-time gardeners make when mulching.” Eric Gallandt, professor of weed ecology at UMaine, said gardners need to pack enough mulch into their gardens to ensure it effectively controls weeds. Matthew Wallhead, an ornamental horticulture specialist and assistant professor at Extension, said having at least two inches of mulch, but no more than six, is “a good rule of thumb.” Sonja Birthisel, postdoctoral research associate at UMaine, however, said gardeners using organic mulches such as hay, straw or leaf litter, must layer them on extra thick in gardens. Katherine Garland, horticultural specialist at the University of Maine Cooperative Extension, warned against allowing too much mulch to accumulate in gardens overtime, particularly in ornamental gardens. The article also shared an Extension resource about mulch, soil and compost. The Times Herald-Record (New York) ran the BDN piece.