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Oak leaves with water drops. Late autumn concept. Natural background of the fallen oak leaves. Autumn mood. Flat lay, selective focus

If you’re a gardening enthusiast, you will likely have heard much about mulching. But have you ever wondered why it is important to mulch? Well, we can answer that question.Whether you’re using mulch that breaks down in the soil, like compost, wood chippings or leaf mould, or a non-biodegradable mulch like shale or pebbles, both types contribute to controlling the temperature of soil, thereby protecting the roots of your plants. Both types of mulch also keep weeds at bay and keep moisture in your soil which makes watering more efficient.The two major differences between biodegradable and non-biodegradable mulch are that biodegradable mulch can add nutrients to your soil as it breaks down, and that it is much less decorative than non-biodegradable mulch. So choose wisely according to your needs.

Why Mulch?

A simple, by-product of coconut production can really revolutionise your garden. Coconut coir, the fuzzy bit on the outside of the coconut, can help with keeping your soil aerated and nutrient rich. It also helps with water absorption, which means that your plants will better benefit from the water you give them while being less likely to suffer from root rot. In this era of peat-free gardening (peat use was banned for hobbyist gardeners last year and will soon be banned for professionals), coconut coir is an essential for healthy plants.&nbsp; If you want to purchase some separately, coconut coir is available at most garden centres and in various forms. Sometimes it's solf in blocks that can be soaked, fluffed up and added to soil, or as loose fibres in a bag, but it is often present in decent peat free composts so you don’t have to buy it separately if you don't want to.&nbsp; Don't by shy, get yourself some coconut coir.&nbsp;

At the Coir of Things

When your mower oil has seen better days you will need an oil change, but when is the best time to change your oil? You only usually need to change it or have it changed once a year if you're just using your mower for your garden, though heavier use of your mower can necessitate more oil changes.&nbsp;Another thing you need to watch out for is the colour of your oil, you want it to be a nice golden colour like the oil in the image for this post. If it's black and sludgy or a chalky colour, change it immediately as it can adversely affect your machine.&nbsp;

A Well Oiled Machine

A dependable and attractive addition to any garden, you can never really go wrong if you get a Cordyline or two. First, know thy cordylines. There are a great many types of cordyline, but we’ll stick to the ones you’re most likely to encounter; cordyline australis, and cordyline fruticosa. Your standard cordyline australis is an evergreen tree that can look a little like a palm tree when it’s established, and there are other varieties of cordyline australis that you may be familiar with like the ‘Torbay Red’ and ‘Torbay Dazzler’ that don’t become as big but have a fantastic colour. Other varieties under the cordyline australis umbrella that may interest you are the intensely coloured, ‘Southern Splendour’ and the ‘Red Star’ variety which is reminiscent of the colour of red velvet cake. Let’s move on to cordyline fruticosa. While you can plant them outside, cordyline fruticosa serve well as houseplants. Some stunning varieties of cordyline fruticosa include ‘Black Magic’ and the fascinatingly coloured ‘Candy Cane’.&nbsp; When it comes to the conditions cordylines like, cordyline australis can survive sub-zero temperatures of minus 5 degrees Celsius. Frost, however, can affect the plant and cause things like cordyline slime flux where the plant excretes a foul-smelling sap like substance because of frost damage. You can usually cut the affected area away to keep the plant healthy. To avoid slime flux when overwintering, wrap your plant when the weather is dry to avoid rot, and mulch cordylines in flower beds before winter strikes. For cordyline fruticosa, pick the hardiest variety you can if you want to have them outside, and keep them in containers so they can be moved inside over winter. For both types, never waterlog your soil and make sure that they have access to enough sun, but not too much direct sunlight, and make sure that they are in well drained soil.&nbsp;Happy cordyline planting!

Sweet Cordylines

Mechanical gear concept background, 3d rendering

Would you like to catch up on all of our posts on machinery maintenance tips? Well here they all are.&nbsp;1.<a data-mce-href="https://gardensandlawnmowersbyclive.com/blog/stabiliser-is-essential" href="https://gardensandlawnmowersbyclive.com/blog/stabiliser-is-essential"> Stabiliser is Essential</a>2. <a data-mce-href="https://gardensandlawnmowersbyclive.com/blog/not-on-the-cutting-edge" href="https://gardensandlawnmowersbyclive.com/blog/not-on-the-cutting-edge">Not On the Cutting Edge</a>3. <a data-mce-href="https://gardensandlawnmowersbyclive.com/blog/caps-on" href="https://gardensandlawnmowersbyclive.com/blog/caps-on">Caps On</a>&nbsp;4. <a data-mce-href="https://gardensandlawnmowersbyclive.com/blog/it-s-in-the-bag" href="https://gardensandlawnmowersbyclive.com/blog/it-s-in-the-bag">It's in the Bag</a>5. <a data-mce-href="https://gardensandlawnmowersbyclive.com/blog/hit-the-deck" href="https://gardensandlawnmowersbyclive.com/blog/hit-the-deck" data-mce-selected="inline-boundary">Hit the Deck﻿</a>6. <a data-mce-href="https://gardensandlawnmowersbyclive.com/blog/booking-your-mower-service" href="https://gardensandlawnmowersbyclive.com/blog/booking-your-mower-service">Booking Your Mower Service</a>7. <a data-mce-href="https://gardensandlawnmowersbyclive.com/blog/strimminy-cricket" href="https://gardensandlawnmowersbyclive.com/blog/strimminy-cricket">Strimminy Cricket!</a>8. <a data-mce-href="https://gardensandlawnmowersbyclive.com/blog/never-break-the-chain" href="https://gardensandlawnmowersbyclive.com/blog/never-break-the-chain">Never Break the Chain</a>

Everything Machinery

If you haven't read them all here are the posts we've posted about plants and their care.&nbsp;1. <a data-mce-href="https://gardensandlawnmowersbyclive.com/blog/the-right-hedge" href="https://gardensandlawnmowersbyclive.com/blog/the-right-hedge">The Right Hedge</a>2. <a data-mce-href="https://gardensandlawnmowersbyclive.com/blog/black-spot" href="https://gardensandlawnmowersbyclive.com/blog/black-spot">Black Spot</a>3. <a data-mce-href="https://gardensandlawnmowersbyclive.com/blog/slug-resistant-hostas" href="https://gardensandlawnmowersbyclive.com/blog/slug-resistant-hostas">Slug Resistant Hostas</a>4. <a data-mce-href="https://gardensandlawnmowersbyclive.com/blog/the-wonder-of-hydrangeas" href="https://gardensandlawnmowersbyclive.com/blog/the-wonder-of-hydrangeas">The Wonder of Hydrangeas</a>5. <a data-mce-href="https://gardensandlawnmowersbyclive.com/blog/embroidering-a-mead" href="https://gardensandlawnmowersbyclive.com/blog/embroidering-a-mead" data-mce-selected="inline-boundary">Embroidering a Mead﻿</a>6. <a data-mce-href="https://gardensandlawnmowersbyclive.com/blog/paradise-in-a-tray" href="https://gardensandlawnmowersbyclive.com/blog/paradise-in-a-tray">Paradise in a Tray</a>7. <a data-mce-href="https://gardensandlawnmowersbyclive.com/blog/a-sweet-scent" href="https://gardensandlawnmowersbyclive.com/blog/a-sweet-scent">A Sweet Scent</a>

Gardens and Mowers by Clive

The Gardens and Mowers Minute

Why Mulch?

At the Coir of Things

A Well Oiled Machine

Sweet Cordylines

Everything Machinery

Plants, Plants, Plants