Healthy soil is the key to healthy plants
The key to successful growing is soil quality. Healthy soil that is rich in organic material means healthy, disease resistant plants that require less watering and feeding.
Organic material is naturally recycled plant and animal matter that has been allowed to decompose slowly and return to the soil. In a word, COMPOST! The finest compost-based soils and mulches combine decomposed marine and plant matter teeming with the naturally occurring micro-organisms all plants need for healthy growth.
Here at Coast of Maine we are proud of the quality of our composts. We start with carefully designed and tested recipes and the very best ingredients. Just as important, we pay close attention to detail throughout the composting process. That means frequent turning, sampling and testing and a lengthy aging and curing process.
Dark Harbor Blend is a unique, naturally composted mulch.
Remember, healthy soil is the key to growing healthy plants.
We use all natural ingredients
Dark Harbor Blend is a dark, rich mixture of soft and hardwood barks that have been allowed to compost naturally for over 50 years. It is both well decomposed and finely textured and will not rob nitrogen from your soil (as raw mulches may).
Dark Harbor Blend is designed specifically for mulching perennials and annual beds and around roses, shrubs and trees. It is carefully formulated from natural ingredients to provide insulation, weed suppression, excellent drainage and a wonderful source of organic material.
Follow these few, simple steps
Mulching in early spring:
Every year in the spring lay down a layer of 2 to 3 inches of Dark Harbor Blend around small perennials, annuals and newly planted flower and vegetable seedlings. With larger plants, shrubs and trees you can apply Dark Harbor Blend to a depth of 4 inches. This will ensure maximum protection and enhance appearance.
Mulching in mid summer:
Dark Harbor Blend will help insulate and hold moisture in your soil. You may want to add an additional inch or two in July to add further protection in the event of a hot, dry summer.
Mulching in fall:
Because the bark in Dark Harbor Blend is almost completely decomposed, it can be dug into beds and gardens in the fall, providing your soil with a rich and immediate source of organic material. You may want to add a bag or two of Coast of Maine’s Quoddy Blend Lobster Compost to add additional organic material to your soil that will pay dividends in the spring.
Soil Conditioner:
You can also use Dark Harbor Blend as a soil conditioner. With poor soils, work as much as 2 inches into the top 4 to 6 inches of soil. To maintain healthy soils and for heavy feeders like roses and most vegetables, 1 inch of Dark Harbor Blend is sufficient. For normal feeders like herbs and flowering plants, 1/2 an inch will do.
