Question
Hello! I have two outdoor bog gardens and I like to use a top dressing to keep
the peat and perlite in check. I've tried pea gravel and live sphagnum moss, but
I wanted to try recycled tire 'mulch'. Do you think that anything harmful would
leach out of it? I don't want to kill my 'children'!! Thanks.

Answer
Hi Jen,

Recycled tire mulch?  I'm not familiar with it, so I can't really say how carnivorous plants would respond to it.  Yes, the main issue is whether or not anything would leach out.  Once in its rubber form, petroleum is fairly inert, meaning it won't react with its surroundings.

My concern is that on very hot summer days, the rubber will become very pliable.  Will it leave any residue on the soil or plant that it touches?  Will your garden smell like rubber on a hot summer day?

I just don't know.  Even if it doesn't, the foremost consideration is whether you appreciate the aesthetics of the recycled tire.  If you prefer the more natural look, stick with pea gravel and live sphagnum moss.  You can also intersperse medium and large river rocks to improve the natural look of the garden.  

Good growing!
Jacob Farin