Anyone use rock as a cover mulch?

[Tri_Cho_Me]

I am planning on using it to retain moisture as well as hold the soil in place. I didn't know if there would be any unforeseen issues with it though. Will they leach minerals I don't want in my soil? Just seems to be normal, store bought river rock.

Tri_Cho_Me

 

[Dunkin]

I've used leftover hydroton for the same reasons you specified and it worked nicely. The roots liked to come up into it a bit for some air pruning action. I've also had river rock as the lining of indoor beds with no obvious negative effects. I'd say clean it well first and go for it.

 

[_tessarecting]

Rice straw is dirt cheap

 

[Tri_Cho_Me]

I've used leftover hydroton for the same reasons you specified and it worked nicely. The roots liked to come up into it a bit for some air pruning action. I've also had river rock as the lining of indoor beds with no obvious negative effects. I'd say clean it well first and go for it.

Thanks for the advice! I'm gonna give it a shot. Check out my grow diary in the Grow Diaries section for further updates!

Tri_Cho_Me

 

[Snook]

if its being used outdoors, a layer of weedstop (HD/Lowes) under the rock cheap for allot. GL.

 

[Tri_Cho_Me]

if its being used outdoors, a layer of weedstop (HD/Lowes) under the rock cheap for allot. GL.

Good to know. Appreciate the tip!

Tri_Cho_Me

 

[Tri_Cho_Me]

Rice straw is dirt cheap

Do you have to replace often? I've heard it molds. Thoughts?

Tri_Cho_Me

 

[_tessarecting]

First year using it...works great...dirt cheap I covered 40 yards for 18$ plus it stimulates biological activity unlike rocks. I would trip on the heat too.

 

[corky1968]

A small layer of stones is nice and natural.
I've used stones before with no worries.
If anything the trace minerals they leach to your plants can only help.

 

[Tri_Cho_Me]

A small layer of stones is nice and natural.
I've used stones before with no worries.
If anything the trace minerals they leach to your plants can only help.

I had the same thought! But, I'm not known for always being right

Tri_Cho_Me

 

[igrowone]

i use a pebble mulch, got 'em from my diggings of drainage ditches
they work, roots grow up right underneath them

 

[Snook]

I had the same thought! But, I'm not known for always being right

Tri_Cho_Me

Known to be always wrong is much worser.

 

[Slipnot]

Personally as a landscaper hard and softscape only benefit adding rock is for ornamental , design purpose , on the surface , mulches should be of organic substances not rock
rocks are not water soluable unless there crushed to very fine micron partical .
When a person really looks ar rock dust its is far from a fast acting mineral it can take months and even years for it to show anything , its a amendment that needs lots of time

Now adding Rock / pebbles may have some qualities as in aeration of certain types of soils clayish etc but all your really doing is adding weight to the soil be it in pots or what have you

IMO Rocks have absolute no water holding capabilities there fore rendered useless as a mulch
stick with grass clippings , and true organic mulches compost, straw , and even cedar mulches and even live peat moss your much better off IMO

 

[MrBungle]

Plants like to get stoned too.. heh

 

[Tri_Cho_Me]

Personally as a landscaper hard and softscape only benefit adding rock is for ornamental , design purpose , on the surface , mulches should be of organic substances not rock
rocks are not water soluable unless there crushed to very fine micron partical .
When a person really looks ar rock dust its is far from a fast acting mineral it can take months and even years for it to show anything , its a amendment that needs lots of time

Now adding Rock / pebbles may have some qualities as in aeration of certain types of soils clayish etc but all your really doing is adding weight to the soil be it in pots or what have you

IMO Rocks have absolute no water holding capabilities there fore rendered useless as a mulch
stick with grass clippings , and true organic mulches compost, straw , and even cedar mulches and even live peat moss your much better off IMO

I've heard anything wood based for cannabis is bad. Again, could be wrong.

 

[Slipnot]

Why wood based mulches can provide fungi Cedar mulches are a natural insect repellent
Wood chips contain wood and bark bits in a wide range of sizes. The diversity of size benefits the soil by allowing water to infiltrate and preventing compaction. It also decomposes at different rates, creating a diverse environment for soil organisms. Wood bark is another type of mulch that performs well in the garden. Cedar, pine, spruce and hemlock are different types of bark mulch that vary in color and appearance. They all make effective mulches, and it’s fine to choose based on aesthetics. Another factor to consider is the longevity of the mulch. Pine will break down quickly while cedar may take years. You can use either chipped wood or bark mulch with confidence, knowing that you are helping your garden

 

[MrBungle]

Watch your media pH with wood chips

 

[Tri_Cho_Me]

Why wood based mulches can provide fungi Cedar mulches are a natural insect repellent
Wood chips contain wood and bark bits in a wide range of sizes. The diversity of size benefits the soil by allowing water to infiltrate and preventing compaction. It also decomposes at different rates, creating a diverse environment for soil organisms. Wood bark is another type of mulch that performs well in the garden. Cedar, pine, spruce and hemlock are different types of bark mulch that vary in color and appearance. They all make effective mulches, and it’s fine to choose based on aesthetics. Another factor to consider is the longevity of the mulch. Pine will break down quickly while cedar may take years. You can use either chipped wood or bark mulch with confidence, knowing that you are helping your garden

Holy mulch knowledge, Batman. Are you from Iowa, Slipnot?

Tri_Cho_Me