How to Mulch
March 9, 2010 by admin
Filed under Gardening Tips
If you enjoy gardening it is likely you feel a responsibility toward your garden that makes you take steps to keep it free of weeds, disease, and pests. You love your plants and want them to be healthy and prosperous, so you make sure they have quality soil full of nutrients and the proper amount of moisture, and are positioned to receive the amount of sunlight that is right for them. Another asset in long-term plant and garden health is mulch. Let’s take a look at how to mulch your garden for the best results.
The first step in mulching your garden is to understand the value of mulch. It is organic material such as wood, hay, straw, leaves, compost, or a mixture of these, that is used to surround plants for various reasons. A thick layer of mulch surrounding your perennials, shrubs, and young trees yields a number of important benefits. First, mulch ultimately feeds your plants. As mulch breaks down into pure compost, it releases valuable minerals and nutrients into the soil where they are absorbed by plants. Secondly, a thick layer of mulch slows the evaporation of water. In the heat of summer, or in dry climates, mulch will hold moisture in the soil protecting root structures from drying out. The mulch will also allow for deeper penetration of moisture, to enable deeper root growth and development. That will produce a healthier, more stable plant. Thirdly, mulch will keep down the weeds, since it smothers growth and blocks out sunlight. Next, quality mulch will keep diseases and pests from attacking your plants’ root structures. Finally, quality mulch may actually look very nice around your plants.
The next step is to choose the type of mulch you will use. Completely organic mulch that you create in your own yard is best, but not always possible. Such mulch would include wood chips, leaves and compost, and perhaps hay or straw. Manufactured mulches employ hardwood chips, compost, manure, and possibly hay, and work very well to produce the results we’ve mentioned. It can be found at garden centers and nurseries, either in 40-50lb bags, or it can be delivered by the truck full.
Thirdly, apply mulch to your garden after all the planting is done. A three to four inch layer will produce the healthiest environment for plants. The layer of mulch should extend as far from the plant as the roots extend. For perennials, 3-4 inches is enough. For shrubs, extend the mulch 7-10 inches from the plant base, more for trees and large bushes.
Don’t overlook the need to mulch your garden. Mulch is inexpensive, especially if you make your own, and will as an asset to a healthy, gorgeous garden from the first signs of growth in the spring until you rest your garden for the winter.
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