Sasha CampbellLaying down mulch in garden beds can be a big task, but it pays off when done correctly. Mulching is a common practice among farmers to suppress weeds and, in some cases, improve soil quality.
Below are 12 different types of mulch, along with their benefits and how to use them in the garden.
Mulching Benefits
Mulch is any protective material used to cover the soil. Below are the main benefits of using mulch in the garden:
- Keeps down weeds.
- Preserves moisture in the soil.
- Improves the condition of the soil.
- Protects the soil from compaction during extreme weather conditions.
- Keeps the ground warm.
- Prevents soil erosion.
- Can help reduce damage from certain pests and wildlife.
- As mulch decomposes, it can add valuable nutrients to the soil beneath.
- Enhances the attractiveness of the garden.
Overall, mulched soil results in a healthier, more visually appealing garden.
Different Types of Mulch
There are two basic types: organic and inorganic.
Inorganic mulches, such as landscape fabric and gravel, can be used effectively but do not decompose.
Organic mulches are made from natural, biodegradable materials such as grass clippings, wood chips, and compost. These materials break down over time, enriching the soil.
Organic mulches have more benefits for the soil, your plants, and the environment. They are preferable because they decompose naturally, adding organic matter to the soil.
Organic Mulches
Below are the most commonly used mulches among gardeners.
1. Newspaper
You can use this as a cheap, biodegradable plant mulch if you already have daily or weekly newspapers available at home.
Is it safe for gardening? Most modern newspapers use soy-based or other non-toxic inks, making them generally safe for garden use [1]. However, glossy inserts and heavily colored advertising pages should be avoided.
To use, lay sheets of newspaper on the soil before wetting it. Additionally, using stones or bricks to hold the edges will protect them from blowing away.
You can also lay down several sheets of newspaper, then add organic mulch, such as grass clippings, on top. This will help keep the papers in place.
2. Grass Clippings
Again, this is cost-effective where there is a regular supply of cut grass. However, it is best to let grass clippings dry before spreading them out.
If applied too thickly, grass clippings can become a slimy mat that prevents air and water from reaching the soil.
Moreover, grass clippings decompose quickly, enriching the soil.
3. Wood Bark
Wood bark is one of the more attractive mulches and is available at garden stores.
Shredded bark from cedar, pine, hemlock, or spruce lasts a long time. You may be able to obtain it from local tree services, sawmills, or woodcutters.
Additionally, wood bark breaks down slowly, making it an excellent long-lasting mulch for ornamental beds, trees, and shrubs.
4. Cardboard
Use cardboard in much the same way as you would use newspaper.
It is a weed-suppressing mulch and relatively biodegradable. It is most helpful in suppressing weeds and providing warmth. However, wax-coated cardboard limits water absorption and is best avoided.
Using a layer of straw or hay over the cardboard before wetting it will help keep it in place. Some farmers also use rocks to prevent it from blowing away.
5. Straw and Hay
These mulches are among the most popular and practical choices for organic vegetable gardens. They are easy to handle.
Straw is usually preferred because it contains fewer weed seeds. Hay often contains seeds that can sprout and create weed problems.
Beneficial insects like the warmth and food that straw and hay mulches offer. They also help protect seeds from birds and prevent them from being washed away by heavy rainfall.
To use straw mulch, place a handful between plant rows in layers three to six inches thick. However, be careful not to stifle plants—keep it away from plant stems and leaves.
For hay, create a thick layer over garden soil.
These mulches biodegrade slowly, and you can easily find space between them when planting seedlings.
When planting seeds, remove the mulch. As the seeds germinate, place the mulch around the plants, leaving a small gap around stems and crowns.
6. Shredded Leaves
This method is another way to recycle natural resources on the farm. Shredded leaves will form an attractive layer, smother weeds, and enrich the soil as they decompose.
For best results, apply shredded leaves in a layer about 2 to 3 inches thick.
7. Compost
Compost is one of the best mulches for vegetable gardens. The most apparent benefit of compost is that it enriches the soil as it breaks down and releases nutrients.
A layer of this will provide many of the same benefits as other mulches, plus more. A 1- to 2-inch layer is usually sufficient for most garden beds.
8. Pine Needles
Also known as pine straw, this lightweight, carbon-rich material is excellent for some flower beds.
However, pine needles are only slightly acidic when fresh and have little effect on soil pH once they begin decomposing.
If you have plenty of pine trees around, make use of the needles as they fall. Pine cones can also be used as decorative mulch around ornamental plants.
Apply pine needles in a layer about 2 to 4 inches deep to help suppress weeds and conserve moisture.
9. Wood Chips
Wood chips are one of the most popular mulch choices for gardens, trees, and shrubs.
They break down slowly and form a long-lasting mulch layer that helps suppress weeds, conserve soil moisture, and regulate soil temperature.
As they decompose, wood chips gradually add organic matter to the soil, improving its structure over time. Fresh wood chips are especially useful around pathways, ornamental beds, and trees.
Apply the material in a layer that’s 2 to 4 inches thick. However, keep it a few inches away from plant stems and tree trunks. This prevents moisture-related issues.
10. Leaf Mold
Leaf mold is a rich, crumbly material made from partially or fully decomposed leaves. It is an excellent organic mulch that helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and improve soil health.
Leaf mold, unlike compost, is especially valued for its ability to enhance the soil’s water-holding capacity.
Gardeners can make their own leaf mold. Just pile fallen leaves in a corner of the yard and allow them to break down naturally over time.
Spread a 2- to 3-inch layer around plants, trees, and shrubs to help protect the soil and encourage healthy plant growth.
Inorganic Mulches
11. Gravel and Small Stones
These are among the most attractive types of inorganic mulch. They are permanent and valuable in driveways, around trees and shrubs, and for mulching flower beds.
They also provide good drainage and warmth in rock gardens, where colored stones can be particularly pleasing to the eye.
Many gardeners place landscape fabric or several layers of newspaper beneath stones and gravel to help suppress weeds.
The downside is that these will not improve soil condition or add nutrients. Additionally, in very hot regions, gravel mulch may raise soil temperatures and increase water loss around some plants.
Commercial Mulch Products
12. WeedGuard Plus
This product from Arbico Gardening Store works differently and is safe for use in organic gardening.
The fine, paper-like material is obtained from cellulose fiber. The product is designed to cover weeds as they germinate, preventing light from reaching them and stifling their growth.
Furthermore, the opaque material is resistant to heavy rainfall. WeedGuard Plus is also long-lasting, high-quality, and biodegradable.
Takeaway
There are many mulching options available to gardeners. The right mulch can help shield the soil against drought, compaction, erosion, cracking, and extremes of heat or cold.
They can help shield the soil against drought, compaction, erosion, cracking, and extremes of heat or cold. Mulching can also improve soil conditions, cover wet or muddy areas, and serve as an ornamental feature in the garden.
Selecting the right mulch is crucial for gardeners. It helps meet your goals and promotes healthy plants. Correctly applying it is also essential.
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