Mulch: What is mulch? How much should you use?
Mulch is any material, organic or not, placed over the surface of soil. Gardeners like mulch for four important reasons.
Mulch is any material, organic or not, placed over the surface of soil. Gardeners like mulch for four important reasons.
Mulch:
- Moderates soil temperatures
- Conserves moisture
- Prevents weeds
- Dresses up the garden
There are many kinds of mulch. Popular ones include:
Stone. Heavy and expensive, but long lasting. Doesn't wash or blow away. Doesn't decompose so therefore doesn't improve soil. Apply 1 to 2 inches deep.
Grass clippings (from weed- and pesticide-free lawns). Free, but often contains weed seeds. Apply 1 to 2 inches deep.
Pine needles. Free if you're near a pine tree. Attractive. Apply 2 to 4 inches deep.
Seed-free straw. Almost always includes some weed seeds. Attractive and inexpensive. Lasts one season. Apply 4 inches deep.
Shredded bark. Attractive. Irregular pieces knit together to resist washing in rain and wind. Lasts at least 2 seasons. Apply 2 to 4 inches deep.
Chunk bark. Various sizes available. Apply 2 to 4 inches deep.
Mulch tips:
- Avoid mulches greater than 4 inches deep. They might reduce air circulation into and through the soil.
- Limit mulch thickness around soft-stemmed annuals and perennials to 2 or 3 inches.
- Don't pile mulch around the main stem of a plant. Doing so might encourage the stem to rot.
- Spread the mulch to cover the soil slightly beyond the plants canopy.
- Don't use lightweight materials such as chunk bark in areas prone to flooding. They'll float and wash away.
