Wonder What is so Amazing about Mulch?
Think of mulching as putting on a warm cozy sweater or blanket for your plants. Mulch keeps soil warm so when frost comes in winter the soil has a high freezing point, protecting plant roots that much more.
Mulching will enrich your soil all winter long. As your mulch breaks down through winter, all the enriching organic matter is being used to strengthen your plants. As the mulch breaks down beneficial insects and worms will find homes in your garden and live in the mulch. They too love a cozy blanket! Both insects and worms leave behind their soil improving castings and frass. Both will provide vital nutrients for plants.
Worm Castings are a highly beneficial soil amender.
Beneficial insects like the checkered beetle will live in mulch all winter!
Mulching will prevent weeds from spreading and even help reduce soil erosion from rain and winter storms.
The Ultimate Mulch List
Now that we know why we want to mulch the next big question is what kind to use? Well, we say use it all and whatever you can get your hands on! Also, mulch can be a personal choice based on how it looks and where you are putting it. Mulch for landscaping and beautification purposes would look much different from mulch used in a vegetable garden.
Here are our top organic mulch choices.
Straw
Decomposes quickly and is lightweight. You can plant directly into it and replenish it as it decomposes. Best used for vegetable gardens.
Leaf
Leaf acts as an excellent soil insulator. Ensure your leaf matter is shredded first as otherwise it can become compacted and turn moldy. Leaves such as maple are high in calcium and potassium and alder leaves are a good nitrogen assist. Avoid black walnut and eucalyptus as both contain a natural herbicide and will prevent seeds from germinating.
Grass Clippings
Another great source of nitrogen. Collect grass with your mower and add to your mulch mix. A note about grass is that as it decomposes it can produce a bad smell!
Cardboard
Cardboard is a good way to kill weeds! Layer cardboard and wet it thoroughly. For mixing cardboard into mulch shred it and soak it first. Layer it on the bottom and top with an organic mulch of your choice.
Compost
Compost, this is one of the most beneficial mulches! Compost creates a barrier to protect your soil. As a major bonus compost also fertilizes your plants as it decomposes!
Shredded Bark
This is a slow decomposer and looks great! A note when using bark as it may absorb nitrogen so keep an eye on your nitrogen levels and consider fertilizing.
Wood Chips
Wood chips are typically used in landscaping where the desired look is a neat and tidy finished product. Use it in places where you are not disturbing the landscape on a regular basis.
The best part of fall mulching is all the time you will save next spring! Less weeds, stronger plants, enriched soil, it’s a win-win-win for gardens!
Stay in Touch With Us!
Be the first to find out about new arrivals, in store only specials, flyer sales, workshops and more! Subscribe to our weekly newsletter.