Spring Mulching and Why It's Important

Mulching is an important part of garden care. So what the heck is it?
And why is it important to spread in your garden this spring?

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Mulch is a material or a mixture of materials that is spread over the surface of the soil. Mulch reduces evaporation, retains moisture, controls erosion, keeps weeds in check, and adds nutrients to the soil.

Organic mulches are made of organic materials such as bark chips, plant leaves, and wheat. On the other hand, inorganic mulches consist of man-made materials such as stone, rubber from shredded tires, landscape fabric, plastic sheeting, and gravel.

Bark mulch is one of the most popular mulches available in the market today. Shredded bark looks good and requires less maintenance than many other materials. However, steer clear of thicker and resilient mulches as they do not break down easily and can draw nitrogen from the soil.

Bayshore Materials offers bark mulch delivery services to Vallejo and the surrounding counties. We can help you select the best mulch for your needs and get it to you on time. 

Visit Us to find the perfect mulch for your project.

Gardening Season is Here!

When choosing the type of soil for their plants and flowers, many lawn owners are unable to differentiate between topsoil and potting soil. Contrary to popular belief, topsoil and potting soil are not the same.

Soil selection is an important decision. The type of soil used can affect plant growth and their ability to survive the rigors of weather. It is important that you choose the right type of soil for your plants to ensure they thrive. When choosing between topsoil and potting soil, some factors to consider are the type of plants you want to grow, and its location.

What is Topsoil? 

As the name implies, topsoil is the topmost layer of soil. It is usually scraped from weedy fields. Depending on the location from which it is sourced, topsoil may have sand and clay, river silt or even weeds in it.

When buying topsoil, it is important that you inquire about its composition. Many experts recommend a quick soil test to determine if the soil has the nutrients required to support plant growth.

Where is it Used?

Irrespective of its composition, topsoil generally provides a solid base for a garden, raised bed or container. Many gardeners add compost and well-decomposed manure to topsoil before laying it on top of fills or soil.

Do not add gravel, sand or clay to topsoil as they can harden topsoil and it can turn into a concrete-like mass when it dries up.

What is Potting Soil?

Potting soil is premixed. As the name suggests, it is used for plants that are grown in containers. Potting soil ingredients vary depending on the manufacturer and intended application.

Some common ingredients of potting soil include peat moss, compost and perlite.

Some manufacturers add fertilizers and wetting agents to their potting soils, and that works well with specific plant types. When buying potting soil, read the label to find out if it has the necessary nutrients that the plants in your garden need.

Some types of potting soils include:

All-purpose potting soil: An all-purpose potting soil is used for one season to grow flowers or vegetables in a container bed. To ensure a good harvest and encourage flowering, many gardeners prefer water-soluble fertilizers

Orchid mix: An orchid mix is a well-aerated mix. It does not break down easily, which makes it suitable for orchids. The best orchid mixes have a chunky consistency similar to the consistency of soils found in natural environments. Some common ingredients of orchid mixes include coconut husk, perlite, vermiculite and peat moss

Seed starting mix: It is a quick-draining, lightweight, sterile potting mix. It is used for growing plants from seeds. It contains additional vermiculite or perlite to help tiny, undeveloped roots extend into the mix

Need topsoil delivered near you in Vallejo? Bayshore Materials has got you covered? Bayshore Materials offers a wide variety of landscaping products under one roof. To inquire about our inventory, call (707)-644-0859.

Everything You Need in One Place

512 Solano Ave

Vallejo CA 94590

707-644-0859

4 Things to Consider When Picking a Natural Stone Sealer

Known for its timeless appeal and beauty, natural stone is one of the most popular building materials. It is cost effective, eco-friendly, and lasts longer than many other popular building materials.

Over time, natural stone can lose its shine. Unsightly scratches and scuff marks can make natural stone surfaces look dated. To keep your natural stone surfaces looking new for years, use a sealer on them.

Not all sealers are created equal. When looking for the right one, steer clear of substandard products that offer limited to no protection against the elements. A quality sealer will resist stains and etching while preserving the natural look of the stone.

To help you make an informed decision, we have compiled a list of things to consider when selecting a natural stone sealer.

Stain Resistance

No matter how careful you are, stains can occur. Removing stubborn stains is a time-consuming task. Many homeowners spend their weekends trying to get rid of ugly stains and blemishes.

Determine what type of stains could occur on your natural stone surfaces. Look for a sealer that offers protection against them. A sealer that is designed to resist specific stains simplify maintenance. With the right sealer, you will spend less time cleaning natural stone and more time appreciating its beauty.

If you are having a tough time choosing between two or more seemingly equally good options, seek professional help. A landscaping stone supplier near you  should be able to point you in the right direction.

UV Resistance

Exposure to UV rays is the number one cause of discolorations on natural stone surfaces. A discolored surface can affect the aesthetics of your property.

A natural stone sealer should offer superior UV resistance. Make sure the sealer you are considering can withstand exposure to UV rays without losing its natural color or deteriorating.

Slip Resistance

Water or any other liquid can fall on your natural stone surfaces, making them slippery. You or someone else can slip, trip, or fall when walking on a slippery surface and sustain an injury.

A slip-resistant sealer penetrates the surface of natural stone to block pores and capillary pathways. When sealing a natural stone pathway or patio, be sure to wipe off any excess sealer.

Breathability

Make sure the sealer you are considering does not inhibit moisture-vapor transmission. When moisture vapor-transmission is inhibited, deterioration and/or spalling can occur. Penetrating sealers are usually preferred for natural stone sealing projects.

Bayshore Materials is a renowned landscaping stone supplier near you in Vallejo. We have a range of landscaping and stamped concrete products. To have materials delivered to your project site, call (707) 644-0859.

How to seal with Glaze 'N Seal's Wet Look Lacquer

From the beginning, Glaze 'N Seal has been the industry leader in the development of true "Wet Look" coatings to protect and beautify all decorative concrete surfaces, including stamped, stained and exposed aggregate. These products are also suitable for use on masonry, porous tile, fountains and fishponds.

BayshoreMaterialsInc.com

5 DIY Landscaping Tips on a Budget

This week at Project Build Stuff I'm sharing five tips to completely change your home's landscaping on a budget. Check out how I turned my lackluster landscaping and drab curb appeal into something beautiful. 

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DIY Workshop Firepit Concrete Countertop 2022 Part 1

Concrete countertops are a great option for DIY’ers since they are relatively easy to make and can be made to fit custom shapes and applications. 

Building a concrete countertop is simple. It starts with a form built to match the shape of the top, which is made in place or inverted. We chose to build ours with the inverted method. The advantage of the inverted method is that the finished side of the countertop is created by the form, so no troweling is required to get it smooth. 

Once the form is built then the concrete can be poured. Rebar or wire is then added to reinforce the concrete. After the concrete cures, the top can be removed from the form. Then stain and finish can be applied, which adds protection from spills, dirt, and weather. 

This outdoor countertop was split into four L-shaped sections that surrounded the fireplace insert. The advantage is that they weigh less and are easier to handle, but also provide relief joints in between each section. The four sections also create a stylish design element. 

First, you’ll need to make the forms. The forms are built from 3/4” Melamine particleboard. Cut all the parts for the base to size with a circular saw and a straight edge. To make cutting easier, place wooden strips on top of the sawhorses for saw blade clearance.  

Rip the sides to width. A portable table saw will keep all of the sides a uniform width. The width needs to be the thickness of the countertop plus ¾”. For safety, make sure you  use a push block while ripping. 

Next, mark the length of the sides for each side of the form. Crosscut the sides to length using a circular saw and a speed square. 

Drill countersunk shanks holes into the sides where the screws will be located. The shank holes will allow the sides to pull up tight during assembly. Drill a pilot hole through the side into the edge of the base. This will prevent the base from splitting. Then drive construction screws through the sides into the base. 

If you need a way to help support the sides, clamp a scrap block underneath the form to support the sides during assembly. 

Continue to assemble the base until all the sides have been attached. Drill and drive screws through the ends at the corners. 

The next step is to seal up the joints. Apply silicone caulking to the inside corners. Then run your finger across the caulk to make a smooth radiused corner. This will give the top a smooth rounded edge when it’s finished. 

Now you have a finished form that’s ready for concrete! Make sure to watch Part 2 to get all the information on mixing and pouring the concrete!

Epic Plastics - Benda Board Installation Video

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How Do I Know If My Concrete Is Ready for a Penetrating Sealer?

Penetrating Sealer Droplet Test. Learn More: https://www.wrmeadows.com/blog/concre...

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