MULCH FOR YOUR GARDEN
NATURE'S BLANKET
Mulch is a very important component of a healthy garden, and particular important in our harsh Australian climate, especially in times of drought and summer months.
Mulch has numerous benefits to your garden:
- Helps retain moisture, prevents evaporation.
- Stops soil from blowing, or washing, away.
- Organic mulch adds necessary soil components as it decomposes.
- Cuts down weeds, by blocking light needed for weed seeds to germinate- this also applies to seeds you wish to plant, so don't mulch heavily until plant seeds have well and truly sprouted.
Weeds also pull up out of soft mulch much more easily than soil, especially if it becomes compacted.
- Keeps soil temperature more consistent- insulates against cold and heat.
- Helps lessen soil borne fungal diseases reaching plants.
- Keeps garden beds looking neater and natural.
Garden Mulching Tips:
- Don't mulch too close to tree trunks or plant stems, or they may rot.
- Don't mulch heavily where you have planted seeds or tiny seedlings.
Types of garden mulches:
Organic Mulches
Made of natural, organic materials, organic mulches add nutrients to the soil as they decompose.
COMPOST- Compost is like food for the soil! Making your own compost is a great use for vegetable and garden scraps. It can also be covered with another form of mulch for a more attractive appearance, if desired.
LAWN CLIPPINGS- These can be added to the compost making process, or used as mulch as is. High in nitrogen, so great for veggie patches. Allow to dry first and don't apply to thickly. Don't use lawn clippings which have been sprayed with any type of poison, and be careful not to include any runners from running grasses, or these will often take root and grow in your garden.
LEAVES- Once again, these can be pre-composted, or used as mulch as is. Partially decomposed or crumpled leaves are best, as they don't blow away as easily or mat. Pine needles can be used for the right kind of plants. some gardeners find that they help discourage slugs, as the little creatures don't find crawling over the spiky needles pleasant- makes sense!
SAWDUST- Older sawdust is best for garden mulch. If plants show signs of nitrogen lack, add a nitrogen rich fertisliser.
WOOD CHIPS- Very attractive mulch. Once again, aged chips are better, to safegaurd from toxins and fungal contamination.
BARK- Another eye pleasing and long lasting mulch. Eucalyptus and pine bark are commonly used.
STRAW/PEA STRAW- Probably best used as mulch in veggie gardens and the like. Adds good nutrients as it decomposes quickly.
TOPSOIL- Good topsoil sold at garden centres etc can be an excellent addition, as it contains lots of organic matter which helps insulate, retain moisture, and provide nutrients as it decomposes- everything you want in a mulch. However, make sure that you are buying good quality topsoil!
MANURE- Dry, well rotted manure is a good addition. If it is at the right stage, smell should not be a problem. You can add it to your compost or use as is. Cover with another more attractive mulch if the sight does not appeal.
NEWSPAPER- Sheets or shredded newspaper (uncoloured ink), which is, of course, made from wood, can be very useful in the garden, especially under other more attractive mulch. Great for cutting down weed growth. Ideal for veggie gardens too.
Inorganic Mulches (man-made)
Made from man-made materials, these work well at their mulching job, are long lasting (sometimes almost forever), but do not add anything useful to the soil.
RECYCLED RUBBER- Made from 100% recycled rubber,this is safe long-lasting and natural-looking. Rubber mulch helps retain moisture, controls weeds, moderates soil temperature. Available in various natural shades, to imitate the appearance of bark. Doesn't bloe away easily, and works efficiently so a lesser
epth is needed.
PLASTIC SHEET- warms the soil, which accelerates plant growth. Stops water escaping and weeds from growing. As it is waterproof, irrigation needs to be done from underneath. Can overheat roots, or retain too much moisture, so caution is required. Plastic is well suited for use in vegetable gardens.
SCORIA/STONES/GRAVEL- Neat, but less natural appearance. Good mulch for a specific landscaping style. Very long lasting mulch. Be careful that pieces don't get into your lawn, or they can be a danger in lawnmowing. Offers a neat appearance but may not blend with every landscape design. They offer some weed control.
WEED MAT- Good for controlling weed growth. Allows moisture and air to reach plant roots. Can be covered with bark or scoria etc for appearance.
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