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Robert Kourik of Santa Rosa, California is a nationally recognized gardening expert who has spent decades meticulously researching his craft. A pioneer of sustainable gardening, he is the author of 19 books, including a number of classics such as “Designing and Maintaining Your Edible Landscape Naturally” and “Drip Irrigation for Every Landscape and All Climates.”
Robert’s writing and gardening is remarkable, in that unlike most gardeners he doesn’t rely solely on traditional lore or anecdotal experience. Instead Robert bases his gardening on extensive research.
In this episode of Growing Greener Robert turns his attention to that gardening stand-by, mulch. He explains the potential benefits of this garden treatment, and examines how to use it most effectively – Robert himself maintained his own garden for 30 years through northern California’s seasonal drought using only mulch to maintain soil moisture and fertility. He also discusses the dangers involved in misusing mulch. Robert explains where he gets his information and the advantages of “peer-reviewed” scientific studies.
Robert caps the program with an examination of a very popular material used by increasing numbers of gardeners, aerated compost tea. He addresses the science, or lack of science associated with this, and shares his recommendation for a more economical substitute.
