One of the most common practices of caring for gardens is mulching, which provides several advantages other than the aesthetic one. Organic or synthetic coatings to the soil surface help gardeners retain moisture and suppress weeds as well as regulate temperature and fertility of the soil.
To reap these benefits it is imperative to select the right mulch and apply it in the right manner. This guide offers crucial information on how to mulch your garden and includes the right processes and tools for enhanced growth and productivity.
What Is Mulch?
Mulch means any material, man-made or natural, which is spread or laid over an area of soil as a layer of covering. Three major functions of mulch include acting as a moisture reserve, preventing weed penetration, controlling the temperature of the soil, and beautifying the garden.
Soil conditioners include organic mulches like straw, grass clippings, compost, shredded leaves, bark, and wood chips that decompose in the soil releasing nutrients.
Inorganic or synthetic types of mulch like plastic, rubber, fabrics, or gravel and stones, for instance, are non-biodegradable and therefore useful for permanent projects like trails, and beds for perennials.
1. Choose The Right Type Of Mulch
Depending on the type of garden one has and the plant species grown, different types of mulch can be chosen. Floral beds and vegetable gardens are usually surrounded by organic manure since they help to enrich the soil as it degrades.
On the other hand, inorganic mulches are perfect for large spaces where mulch is required for a longer duration without the require to be replaced frequently. The choice of mulch should be made by considering some factors like the climate, soil type, and plant needs.
It is crucial to prepare the garden bed before adding mulch to it. First, you need to clear out all the weeds, rocks, and debris from the soil since the ground must be clean before proceeding. This helps to reduce the chances of weeds growing through the mulch and fighting for the available nutrients with your plants.
Moisten the soil before applying the mulch and ensure the soil is always damp since the mulch will prevent water from seeping into the soil. If required, mulch with compost or the fertilizer of choice to further enhance the nutrient condition of the soil to feed your plants.
3. Transport Mulch
Once the bed is prepared, take the mulch to the garden area as a way of managing weeds effectively. One can use a wheel barrow, garden cart, or even buckets for the purpose of transferring the mulch from the storage place to the garden bed.
This step can be time-consuming, particularly in large gardens, one may need to hire workers to finish the task. If using organic mulch, make sure that it is dry and stored well away from dirt and any unwanted material.
Start applying the mulch uniformly in the area of the ground you intend to cover. It is advised to work from the center of the bed which helps reduce instances where one treads over the covered mulch. To spread the mulch, one can use a rake or scoop it with their hands and make sure that it is evenly spread.
The depth of the first layer should be about 2 inches deep for most organic mulches. Avoid applying mulch around the plants too close to the plant stem; this may encourage rotting and pest attacks.
5. Apply The Remaining Mulch And Even It Out
If you have not put enough mulch the first time, continue to apply until you achieve the depth you want. As a guideline, most gardens suggest an average depth of between 2-4 inches.
More layers may be required in zones where heavily clogged with weeds or in cases where plants demand frequent watering. With the rake, it is then spread and leveled on the desired area for a neat and uniform impression. This not only looks better but guarantees an even distribution of moisture as well as reducing the chances of weeds.
The depth of the mulch should be checked to keep it standard with the bed established in the field. Feel the thickness in various areas with your hand or use a ruler or a stick to check the thickness. Ensure that the mulch is in the appropriate depth as required depending on the type of planting that is being done.
The mulch should also be of uniform depth so as to suppress the weeds and conserve water in the soil more efficiently. However, if the mulch is applied in a thick layer, this can lead to suffocation of the plant roots and/or poor air circulation.
7. Clear The Mulch Away From The Stems Of The Plants
Probably the most important thing about mulching is to keep the mulch several inches away from the stems of herbs and shrubs and the trunks of trees. It helps in averting rot and subsequently the animals like rats from making a nest nearby the plants.
Many plant stems and leaves come into contact with mulch and this may cause the plants to rot due to moisture trapped in the pile. Avoiding contact of the stems by the mulch is beneficial to the plants and helps to prevent problems from arising.
8. Maintenance
Caring for your garden with mulch ensures that it effectively controls weeds, retains soil moisture, and enhances soil health. Here are simple steps to maintain your mulch in order to keep your garden in good shape:
Check Mulch Depth Regularly
Ensure the mulch depth is checked and maintained at 2-4 inches. Turn over the mulch at least once to level it up since it tends to settle on some parts or become sparse in others.
Replenish Mulch as Needed
They decay gradually and hence need to be replenished annually or when the layer appears to be thin. This replenishment has gone on to enhance the soil structure while boosting its ability to retain moisture.
Control Weeds
Check the mulch for signs of weeds often and use appropriate measures to eliminate them. To prevent weed growth, it is recommended to maintain the mulch layer thick and compact.
Adjust Mulch Around Plants
Always pull mulch away from the stems of plants to allow free drainage of moisture and to prevent pests. As the plants grow, adjust for head clearance.
With a rake or a garden fork, you can turn over the soil to make the mulch on the ground less compact. This enhances air and water availability to the soil and plants respectively.
Manage Decomposition
Organic mulches should also be overturned to enhance the decomposition process and to ensure the nutrients seep into the ground. This helps to avoid the formation of crust on the top of the mulch.
Address Displacement
Make sure to look for the mulch that has been washed away by the storms or the animals and spread it over the beds again using a rake. Mulch should be replaced as and when it decomposes or gets damaged.
Monitor Mulch Health
Ideally, the mulch should be inspected for mold, fungus, or pests at least once a week. Contact problems as soon as possible to keep mulch healthy and not create issues for the plants.
Types Of Mulches
Mainly there are two kinds of mulch such as organic mulch and inorganic mulch. Both have their own uses as follows:
1. Organic Mulches:
These mulches include materials that are naturally derived and there are several advantages of using them apart from preventing the growth of weeds and conserving moisture. They self-destroy over time releasing nutrients and organic matter to the soil. Some of the commonly used organic mulches are:
Straw and Hay
Straw and hay are light materials and are often used in vegetable gardens. Straw is preferred because it contains fewer weed seeds as compared to the other crops. It assists in preventing fruits like strawberries from touching the ground and thus remaining clean, and it regulates water and soil temperature.
Grass Clippings
Mowing often produces grass clippings that are high in nitrogen which can be directly used as mulch. Apply them thinly so as to avoid mattings. The clippings should ideally be allowed to dry for a day or two before being applied to the intended area.
Compost comprises decomposed organic material with nutrient value. It helps to structure the soil, optimizes water uptake, and supplies nutrients to plants. The best part is that compost can also be utilized for mulching in vegetable gardens and flower beds.
Shredded Leaves
Tree leaves that are shredded can be obtained freely and do not decompose as quickly, helping to build up the humus content of the soil. They are useful for controlling weeds and have good water-retentive properties. Leaves can be raked and shredded in the fall to supply the needed mulch.
Bark and Wood Chips
Bark and wood chips are rather durable and have a nice appearance. They are commonly placed in ornamental gardens and around trees and shrubbery beds. They break down over time and are good for moisture retention and suppression of weeds.
2. Inorganic Mulches:
Inorganic mulches are synthetic products that do not break down easily and are produced by humans. These systems offer permanent ways of controlling weeds, conserving water, and preventing soil erosion. Some of the commonly used inorganic mulches are:
Plastic Sheeting
Polythene sheets can be found in vegetable gardening and large-scale farming. It warms the soil, conserves water, and competes out weeds. But it will lock the water or air out of the soil, so use perforated black plastic or drip irrigation.
Rubber Mulch
Another type of surface is rubber mulch and this is made from recycled rubber that comes from automobile tires and is very strong. It can be applied on children’s playgrounds and walking paths. It offers good coverage of weeds and effective water conservation but is not a source of soil nutrients.
Landscape Fabric
Landscape fabric enables water and air to seep through to the ground while preventing the growth of weeds. It is usually applied beneath other mulches like wood chips or stones in the herbaceous border, shrubberies, and avenues.
Gravel and Stone
Gravel and stone are decorative mulches that are permanent for use in walking paths and rock gardens. They do not decompose and aid in water retention, weed suppression, and preventing soil erosion. But they can warm the ground, and this is not always desirable for many plants in the garden.
Benefits Of Mulching
Some of the benefits of mulching are as follows:
Moisture Retention
By reducing the rate of evaporation, mulch aids in maintaining soil moisture. This is especially helpful during the dry season since it will not require the constant watering of the yard. The mulch helps retain moisture on the surface and releases it slowly into the soil where water is available for plants.
Weed Suppression
Mulch hinders penetration of light to the ground preventing weed growth. Mulch limits access of weed seeds to light whereby they cannot germinate, competition for light, water, and nutrients is also limited. This results in healthier plants and therefore less work when maintaining the garden.
Temperature Regulation
It plays the role of maintaining a favorable temperature of the ground by ensuring the ground is cold during the warmer months of the year and warm during the cold seasons. In hot conditions, mulch also helps to prevent the soil from getting too hot as this is bad for the plants and can slow their growth.
During the winter season, mulch helps in providing a protective barrier around the roots of plants from frost.
Soil Improvement
Organic mulches disintegrate with time and contribute to the improvement of the nutrient base within soils. This enhances the physical properties of the soil such as water infiltration rate, internal drainage, and water retention ability which in turn enhances plant health.
The decomposition process also promotes the formation of other soil macro and micro organisms such as earthworms which enhance soil fertility.
Erosion Control
In addition to enhancing the growth of plants, mulch plays a vital role in protecting the soil from the effects of rain and wind. It helps to anchor the soil and make it less vulnerable to washing or blowing by the wind. This becomes important especially when working on slopes and areas that contain sandy patches.
Aesthetic Appeal
Mulch provides the beds with a polished look that makes the garden look attractive and organized. Being available in different colors and textures, mulch can serve as an attractive ornament for garden zones.
It also minimizes the exposure of the ground area between plants, in other words, the garden looks neat and healthy.
