Mulch Gardens

Mulching provides so many benefits. It keeps weeds down by blocking sunlight that will enhance weed germination. Mulching conserves moisture by reducing evaporation and allowing water penetration when it rains. Bare soils form a crust that impedes water penetration. Mulching prevents erosion caused by wind and rain. It also maintains appropriate temperature for plant growth; cool soil temperature in the summer and retention of soil warmth in the winter for early spring growth. Mulching prevents the soil from splashing on the leaves and this helps to prevent plant diseases. Organic mulch such as wood chips and tree barks fertilize and improve soil quality when it decomposes by adding nutrients to the soil and encouraging worm activity, which improves drainage and fertility.

Apply mulch in autumn in order to retain the heat in the soil during winter and also to prevent erosion due to winter rains. Spread mulch two to four inches over bare soil. Avoid covering plants when mulching and do not place mulch in close contact with trees and shrubs because the high moisture can cause disease and rot. In spring, remove the mulch and plant again. After crops have emerged, apply mulch again before the weather gets too hot. There are mainly two types of garden mulch: Organic and inorganic. Organic mulches are those that used to be living material such as bark/shredded wood chips, cocoa bean hulls, compost, grass clippings, fall leaves, straw and pine needles. Examples of inorganic mulches are polythene and gravel.

Problems associated with an incorrect choice of mulch or the application of the mulch include the wind blowing off the mulch, excess carbon in the soil or an increase in acidity, which both cause nitrogen shortage. There’s also increased weed growth, excessive moisture that encourages slug and snails and rotten stems/trunks of trees and shrubs.