Mulch: Difference between revisions

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Mulch is a layer of material, usually natural, placed on the surface of ground, around growing plants. It prevents loss of moisture and growth of weeds. It encourages the activity of earthworms and keeps the soil from becoming hard. In the long term it breaks down and forms humus and nutrients.

Very thick mulch (e.g. 10cm/4in or more) can be very effective, without harming the plants. Weeds that do grow through the mulch can be easily pulled out of the loose, moist soil.

It is an important component of [[lazy gardening, as it greatly reduces the need for most of the regular garden tasks such as watering, digging, weeding.

Cautions

• Mulch containing seeds, such as lawn clippings when the grass is seeding, or straw, can result in an increased number of weeds. Ways of dealing with this are:
  • When mowing, or growing a crop for mulch, cut it before the seeds approach maturity.
  • Have an additional thick layer of seed-free mulch on top.
  • Be sure to pull out the weeds before they become too established, while it is still extremely easy.
• Cocao mulch can be harmful to dogs (if they eat it - and not all dogs eat it).^[1]
• Your Best - and Worst - Mulching Options WTOPnews.com claims that rubber tires are bad, and wood and bark mulches promote certain fungi that cause damage and nuisance, and should be kept approx 10m/30ft from houses and cars.
• Avoid mulch made from old roofing shingles.^[2]
• This list should be added to. Do a google search ignoring the main warnings mentioned above, and of course read critically.

Note that an email warning about termites in mulch in 2006 was dismissed as a hoax^[3]

Notes

External links

• Guide to Selecting a Garden Mulch | Tips & Techniques - GardenGuides.com, includes information on a large number of different organic and inorganic mulches.