In the garden, a simple switch from organic mulch to gravel can help cut wildfire risk and save water. Many fire-prone towns restrict organic mulch near buildings. Organic mulches like bark, straw, and wood chips can ignite fast from airborne embers. Gravel gardens use stone spread about four inches deep.
The Afternoon WireThe birthright citizenship case at the Supreme Court hits close to home for this immigrant motherBulls waive guard Jaden Ivey after anti-LGBTQ comments, remarks about religion on InstagramMary Beth Hurt, Tony-nominated Broadway and film actor, dies at 79NASA begins the countdown for humanity's first launch to the moon in 53 yearsViral phenomenon in Argentina has young people identifying themselves as animalsMore women are having babies later in life.
How to improve your chance of a healthy pregnancyA photo captures black spots on clothespins that reveal the environmental toll of conflict in TehranTrump threatens to destroy Iran's desalination plants. Here’s what that could mean for the MideastCorn tortillas in California now must contain folic acid. More states are looking at itWorries about flying seem to be taking off. Here's how to cope with in-flight anxietyJury finds Instagram and YouTube liable in a landmark social media addiction trialDo-it-yourself projects can save money and build confidence, or do the oppositeEl papa León XIV rechaza en Domingo de Ramos las afirmaciones de que Dios justifica la guerraEl papa León XIV rechaza en Domingo de Ramos las afirmaciones de que Dios justifica la guerraLIVE Student shoots a teacher at Texas high school before fatally shooting self, authorities sayAirport cleared to be renamed for Trump as he unveils design for skyscraper libraryNFL set to begin hiring and training replacement officials, AP sources saySysco expands into high-margin restaurant segment with $29 billion dealApollo's impatient old-timers are rooting for NASA's return to the moon with Artemis II launchA red fox stows away on a cargo ship, traveling from England to the USWorries about flying seem to be taking off. Here's how to cope with in-flight anxietyAt Middle Creek, timing and distance shape a photo of migrating geeseTrump threatens to destroy Iran's desalination plants. Here’s what that could mean for the MideastCorn tortillas in California now must contain folic acid. More states are looking at itWorries about flying seem to be taking off. Here's how to cope with in-flight anxietyJury finds Instagram and YouTube liable in a landmark social media addiction trialDo-it-yourself projects can save money and build confidence, or do the oppositeEl papa León XIV rechaza en Domingo de Ramos las afirmaciones de que Dios justifica la guerraEl papa León XIV rechaza en Domingo de Ramos las afirmaciones de que Dios justifica la guerraLifestyleThis image provided by the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society shows a gravel garden planted at the Delos Garden at Sissinghurst Castle in Cranbrook, Kent, England on July 6, 2025. This July 2022 image provided by Hamzah-Adam Desai, of Tone & Manner garden design, shows a gravel garden he created for the 2022 RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival in East Molesey, Surrey, England. This image provided by the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society shows a gravel garden planted at the Delos Garden at Sissinghurst Castle in Cranbrook, Kent, England on July 6, 2025. This image provided by the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society shows a gravel garden planted at the Delos Garden at Sissinghurst Castle in Cranbrook, Kent, England on July 6, 2025. This July 2022 image provided by Hamzah-Adam Desai, of Tone & Manner garden design, shows a gravel garden he created for the 2022 RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival in East Molesey, Surrey, England. This July 2022 image provided by Hamzah-Adam Desai, of Tone & Manner garden design, shows a gravel garden he created for the 2022 RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival in East Molesey, Surrey, England. Unrelenting heat, wind and lack of rain can create inhospitable conditions for plants, as well as humans. But a simple change in mulch can help gardeners mitigate damage from those conditions, and wildfires too.When airborne embers land on plant-based garden mulches like pine bark, straw or wood chips, they ignite quickly and risk spreading fire. These organic mulches can even trap heat and combust spontaneously. Manyhigh-risk municipalities actually discourage or restrict organic mulches within a specified distance from homes and buildings. And gardeners in fire-prone areas have long embraced covering bare soil with inorganic, aggregate materials, such as 1/4-inch pea gravel, tumbled granite or brick chips. Now, that strategy is becoming trendy to other regions. In addition to addressing fire-safety concerns, using such aggregate 4 inches deep in beds and borders also helps prevent weeds from taking root, improves drainage and reduces runoff, which helps cut back on water waste. To be clear, organic mulches are the gold standard for many applications. They nourish the soil as they decompose, improve moisture retention and also suppress weeds. Organic mulch is also more beneficial to plants with high water and nutrient needs outside fire zones. But in at-risk areas, gravel serves as an exceptional substitute, and its use around drought-tolerant, native plants elsewhere facilitates drainage, weed suppression and moisture retention without needing regular replacement. Instead of applying gravel around existing plants, you should apply gravel first, and then plant through it. Begin by removing weeds, roots and all, and carefully digging up any existing plants in the chosen bed. Trees, of course, cannot be easily removed, so leave them be. Enrich the soil by spreading 2 inches of compost or well-rotted manure throughout the bed, then use a garden fork to gently turn it in. Define the bed with metal, brick, stone or paver edging that’s tall enough to keep the gravel in place. Next, lay 4 inches of your chosen aggregate over the soil and, if trees are present, push the material several inches away from the bottoms of their trunks.beneath the gravel; it won’t perform as you hope it will. Instead of preventing weeds, it will create heat pockets, restrict the flow of water and oxygen to the soil, trap carbon, and kill microbes, earthworms and beneficial insects. Then it will slap you in the face and watch for your reaction as the weeds you tried to block grow right through it. They’ll be near-impossible to remove, as their roots become intertwined with the fabric’s weave. Then, the weathered material will tear into shreds and mock you as its edges poke through your once-lovely gravel garden.Select drought-tolerant, sun-loving perennials, ideally species native to your region. These plants also tend to thrive in nutrient-poor soil. Just ensure they are suited toBuy plants in 3½-4½-inch pots, as their roots will be the perfect size for the application. Before bringing them to the planting area, scrape off the top layer of soil from each plant to lower the risk of any present weed seeds sprouting, then water each pot well. Remove plants from their containers and transport them to the planting bed on trays or in a box to prevent loose soil from falling onto the gravel, where airborne weed seeds may take root. To plant, remove a small area of gravel equal to the width of the plant’s original container and 4 inches deep to the soil surface. Then drop the moistened, soil-covered roots into the hole. Replace the gravel, and repeat with your other plants, spacing them according to their expected mature sizes.It’s important that you water the plants frequently and regularly throughout their entire first season. This could be daily or even twice a day, depending on the climate and weather. Remember, the only water they will be able to access during their first year will come from the soil clinging to their roots, so it’s important to keep it moist.A few weeds might poke out during the first growing season; pull them immediately. Once your drought-tolerant, native plants are fully established, they will seldom, if ever, require supplemental watering. They won’t likely need fertilizer, either, and the bed won’t require string-trimmer edging or regular weeding.136
Marijuana General News Wildfires Botany Jessica Damiano Fires Climate And Environment Business Lifestyle Climate
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Swap Your Shop: A Simple Earth Day Action with Big Environmental ImpactGoodwill Central Texas encourages shoppers to embrace secondhand purchases to reduce waste and carbon emissions. Even one swap can significantly impact the environment, potentially removing millions of pounds of waste and billions of pounds of carbon emissions.
Read more »
3 Simple Daily Changes Could Lower Your Risk of Heart Attack And StrokeThe Best in Science News and Amazing Breakthroughs
Read more »
Pepper spray would be easier to get under NY bill: 'Very simple non-lethal safety measure'Today's Video Headlines: 3/29/2026
Read more »
Ty Lue Has a Simple Explanation for Miraculous Clippers TurnaroundThe Los Angeles Clippers' historic turnaround after the 6-21 start continues.
Read more »
Simple Leadership Advice That Changed How These Leaders Show Up Every DaySometimes the most powerful leadership lessons are straightforward reminders that reshape how you lead in small, consistent ways.
Read more »
Simple changes can make your cat feel less stressed at mealtimes.To reduce stress and keep your cat happy, choose a quiet location for their meals—and in a multi-cat home, ensure that each cat has their own food bowls, separate from each other.
Read more »