You've probably seen mulch in various flower beds around your neighborhood; it does look nice and really completes the landscape. But do you know what is its real purpose? In this article, you are going to learn the different types of mulch, their benefits and how to apply mulch to your garden.
Types of Mulch
Nowadays, you can find a wide range of mulch for sale and each of them is recommended for different situations.
Wood mulches are available in different colours and can be used as a design feature around the garden. They offer the advantage of not breaking down as quickly as straw-type mulches, so you don't have to top it up as often. Darker mulch looks great in a native garden as it imitates how these plants look in nature.
Pea straw, sugarcane and lucerne mulches are good for vegetable gardens, around flowering plants and fruit trees. As they breakdown, they release nitrogen into the soil, benefiting general plant growth. You can find this type of mulch for sale in bales, which make it easy to transport and distribute.
Inorganic mulch like rocks and pebbles are suitable for succulents and cacti, plants that naturally grow in arid areas. This type of mulch also make these plants stand out so the garden is even more striking.
Benefits of Mulch
Mulching is one of the best things you can do for your garden. the benefits include:
- Moisture retention - the sun and wind zap moisture, causing the roots to become dry and even dye. Minimizing evaporation means less watering.
- Invasion barrier - mulch suppresses weed growth and deters the spread of plant disease, helping reduce yard maintenance.
- Temperature control - mulch helps keep the soil warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. Extreme frost, heat, and drought can injure rooks and kill plants.
- Soil nutrition - When organic mulches decompose, organic matter is added to the soil, improving the soil's water, structure, drainage and nutrient holding capacity.
- Decorative appeal - mulches come in a range of materials, colours and sizes that add to your home's curb appeal.
Laying Mulch
In order to get the best results, there are a few rules to follow when putting in mulch.
- Water well before applying mulch so you begin with moist soil.
- Lay the mulch a maximum of 5cm deep, and around 2-3 cm for inorganic mulches.
- Keep it away from trunks of trees and stems of plants.
- Woody mulches take nitrogen from the soil as they break down, so occasionally fertilize to compensate.
- Avoid packing mulch too tightly otherwise, it could hold high or low temperatures in the soil.
