There are different types of mulches , however, and several tricks to applying it properly to get best results for blooms, veggies, just about anything you plant. So read on for the secrets to mulching the garden, then sit back and enjoy the grow!
Organic mulches break down into the soil, adding nutrients in the process. They include chopped leaves, manure, straw, hardwood, grass clippings, newspaper, cocoa bean hulls, and compost, and are the best option for mulching vegetable gardens or mixed borders containing a combination of trees, shrubs, and perennials. Conversely, plastic, gravel, and shredded rubber tires are all inorganic mulches that remain in place until you move them.
Certain vegetables like tomatoes and peppers benefit from the soil-warming ability of plastic mulch. Three to four inches of organic mulch like hardwood or cocoa bean hulls applied around a plant or tree, but not touching it, is ideal for suppressing weeds, maintaining proper soil temperature, and conserving water.
To prevent an infestation, only apply mulch there if absolutely necessary, tapering it so that the layer thins as it nears the house and leaves six inches of concrete is exposed. Timing is everything when it comes to mulch. In general, mulch applied in early spring prevents soil from warming, restricting early-season plant growth. The exception is plastic mulch, applied in early spring on a vegetable garden prior to planting: It will raise the soil temperature to give seeds a healthy early start.
Here are just 6 reasons you should mulch this Spring: Mulch helps improve soil moisture and prevents plants from drying out too quickly. Mulch helps reduce soil erosion and soil compaction. Mulch helps maintain optimal soil temperatures by creating a barrier from the heat and cold. Mulch helps increase soil nutrition as it decomposes by improving soil structure, thus providing better drainage and better use of nutrients.
Mulch helps reduce weeds that can steal nutrients from your plants and lets face it, weeds are ugly and unwanted. Mulch helps protect shallow-root plants from freeze damage and frost-heave. Like what you've read? Subscribe to our blog!
This Post Has 5 Comments. Helpful info, thanks for sharing! Leave a Comment. Gravel can sometimes mix with the underlying soil if not applied thickly, encouraging surface weeds. It is not uncommon for the white fungal mycelium of harmless saprophytic fungi to be found in soil that has been covered or enriched with an organic mulch.
This is nothing to worry about and there is no need to dig out the mulch or white fungal growth. Join the RHS today and get 12 months for the price of 9.
Take action Why take action? Support us Donate Careers Commercial opportunities Leave a legacy. Join the RHS today and support our charitable work Join now. Hot links Browse inspiration articles Buy plants online.
Buy tickets. RHS members get reduced ticket prices Join now. Harlow Carr North Yorkshire. Hyde Hall Essex. Rosemoor Devon. Wisley Surrey. Bridgewater Greater Manchester. Environmentally friendly gardening. Plant health. Take part in our research. Meet the team. Shop plants rhsplants. Shopping with the RHS. This reduces the amount of water needed.
Saves money. Shades delicate seedlings from too much sun. A mini umbrella. Reduces time spent watering. Saves time and money. Is a great insulator by regulating soil temperature. Keeps roots consistently cool in summer and warm in winter. Reduces plant stress. Provides a natural barrier to stop weeds from growing and competing with plants for nutrients. By blocking the sunlight. Saves you time. I have also used mulch to mound around sweetcorn stalks to support them as they develop roots.
Increases biological activity in your soil. By providing beneficial micro-organisms and earthworms with food. Improves soil conditions. Helps to bind sandy soils and open up clay soils. Saves you time and energy cultivating the soil.
Dry dead leaves mixed with green grass clippings can both be used as compost ingredients. Provides a clean surface for produce like fruit and nuts to fall, ready for harvesting. Improves soil drainage and structure as it decomposes. Provides support around plants especially young seedlings. Mulch can be used to protect and support seedling stems in pots or after transplanting. Recycles waste materials. Protects plants from mud-splash during watering or rain.
Prevents erosion and soil compaction particularly from foot traffic on pathways and play areas. I grow lemongrass not only for culinary use in the kitchen but also as a source of fragrant mulch for my container gardens.
So regardless of where you live and whether your plants are in pots or beds, mulch is a key ingredient for a successful organic garden. Affiliate Links: Your support of this site is appreciated! Please share and encourage your friends to join my free Newsletter for exclusive insights, tips and all future articles. All rights reserved. Some links within this article are affiliate links. I only recommend products or services I use personally or believe will add value to my readers.
If you purchase a product via an affiliate link, I will earn a small commission. There is no additional cost to you. You directly support my ability to continue bringing you original, inspiring and educational content to help benefit your health.
Please read my Disclosure Statement for more details. Short Term vs. Tips on Storing Mulch. I invite you to subscribe to my Free Newsletter for exclusive tips on growing a healthy […].
0コメント