Mulch is a layer of material that is spread over the surface of the soil in a garden. It can be made from a variety of materials, such as wood chips, straw, or grass clippings. Mulch is used for a number of purposes in the garden, including helping to prevent weeds from growing. Here are some benefits of using mulch in the garden:
- Suppresses weeds: Mulch can help to prevent weeds from germinating by blocking light from reaching the soil surface. This makes it more difficult for weeds to grow and compete with the desired plants in the garden.
- Conserves moisture: Mulch helps to retain moisture in the soil, which is especially important in dry or hot weather. By keeping the soil moist, mulch can help to reduce the need for watering and make the most of the water that is available.
- Regulates soil temperature: Mulch can help to regulate the temperature of the soil, keeping it cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. This can be especially beneficial for plants that are sensitive to extreme temperatures.
- Improves soil structure: Mulch can help to improve the structure of the soil by adding organic matter as it decomposes. This can improve the soil's ability to retain moisture and nutrients, which can be beneficial for the plants in the garden.
- Aesthetic appeal: Mulch can also add a finishing touch to a garden by giving it a more polished and well-maintained appearance.
Organic mulch is mulch that is made from natural materials, such as wood chips, straw, or grass clippings. It is important to use organic mulch that is not colored for a number of reasons:
- Healthier for plants: Organic mulch is made from natural materials that can decompose and add nutrients to the soil as they break down. In contrast, colored mulch is often made from recycled wood or other materials that have been treated with chemicals. These chemicals can be harmful to plants, and can leach into the soil over time.
- More environmentally friendly: Organic mulch is more environmentally friendly than colored mulch because it is made from natural materials that can break down and be absorbed back into the ecosystem. In contrast, colored mulch is often made from recycled materials that have been treated with chemicals, which can be harmful to the environment.
- Natural look: Organic mulch has a natural look that can blend in with the surrounding environment, whereas colored mulch can be very artificial in appearance. This can be especially important in natural or organic gardens, where a more natural look is desired.
Here are some ways to make organic mulch:
- Wood chips: Wood chips can be made from a variety of sources, such as tree trimmings, branches, or logs. They can be chipped using a wood chipper or obtained from a tree service or landscaping company. Be sure the chips are smaller pieces near the plants, and they can be larger for things like walkways and such.
- Straw: Straw can be obtained from hay bales and is a good choice for mulching vegetable gardens.
- Grass clippings: Grass clippings can be collected and used as mulch in the garden. It is important to ensure that the clippings do not contain any herbicides or chemicals before using them as mulch.
- Leaves: Leaves can be collected and used as mulch in the garden. It is best to shred the leaves before using them as mulch to help them break down more quickly.
- Compost: Compost can be made by collecting organic material, such as food scraps and yard waste, and allowing it to decompose. Once the compost has fully broken down, it can be used as mulch in the garden.
There are a few key times when it is important to re-mulch a garden:
- When the mulch has decomposed: Mulch will naturally break down over time, and as it decomposes it will lose its ability to suppress weeds and retain moisture. When the mulch has decomposed to the point where it is no longer effective, it should be replaced.
- When the mulch has become thin: If the mulch layer has become thin due to erosion, weathering, or other factors, it may be necessary to add more mulch to restore its effectiveness.
- When the appearance of the mulch has become unsightly: If the mulch has become discolored or unsightly for any reason, it may be a good idea to replace it in order to improve the appearance of the garden.
- Weeds are growing through the mulch: If weeds are able to grow through the mulch, it may be a sign that the mulch has decomposed or become thin and is no longer effectively suppressing weed growth.
- The mulch has become thin: If you can see large areas of the soil surface through the mulch, it may be time to add more mulch to the garden.
- The mulch has become discolored: If the mulch has become discolored or otherwise unsightly, it may be a good idea to replace it in order to improve the appearance of the garden.