Hi,
I'm new here. I've recently moved to the high desert near Palm Springs. This spring I planted 2 pomegranate trees, 2 grapes vines (thompson) and 1 fig tree. I compost and use it as mulch but I'm interested in generating more mulch from materials on my land and in my house. There are some enormous tamarisk trees nearby with mounds of tamarisk needles underneath. I was also thinking of experimenting with corrugated cardboard from packing boxes and cardboard toilet paper tubes. Anyone out there have any thoughts about whether or not these items would be good to use on my fruit trees and grapevines? I would really like to do anything I can to retain soil moisture. Summer temperatures get up around 110.
Hot is hot.
The two mulches you mention, tamarisk needles and cardboard, are both "brown" materials and will be decomposed by fungi. This is good for your fruit trees and grapes as they require fungi in, on and around their roots to grow properly. In order for the fungi to decompose they will require some moisture. My guess is that he tamarisk needles will act as a "blanket" provideing air space above the cardboard protecting it from direct heat. If the needles to trap air spaces among them, add them t oabout 4-5 inches for insulation.
Ted
Idyllwild
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Marsha H
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