Expert: Mike Mascio - 5/26/2008

Question
Hi!  After my sunflower seeds sprout and grow a bit, is it okay to mulch with pine straw?
I once read I should cut back leggy mums in June for a great late fall blooming.  Did it last year and it worked but I see buds this year.  Should I or shouldn't I?   Zone 7  Thanks!

Answer
Jan, you should definitely mulch all of your plants to help retain moisture, hold down weeds, and keep the soil cool. Pine straw is an excellent organic mulch. As it decomposes, it will help replenish the nutrients in the soil.

Mums should only be pruned in late fall. Pruning in the spring will remove the buds, resulting in less flowering this fall. However, if you did not prune last fall, you will be forced to prune now to keep them from getting leggy and weak. The plant will produce more buds this fall. You just won't have as many as you would have had you pruned last fall.

I hoped this answered your questions. Please write again if I can ever be of assistance.

Regards,

Mike