Mulch Mastery: 5 Little-Known Facts You Should Know!

OK, let me get rid of this absurd pun in my brain: Mulching is best done by gardeners! Now we can proceed. Although it sounds naughty, the statement is true.

Mulch is one of those gardening basics that has many uses. When properly applied, this adaptable substance can protect roots from heat and cold, prevent soil erosion and compaction, and reduce your workload by keeping weeds at bay. You probably already know all this. So, before you make a wise decision to use this multi-purpose material—and, perhaps, avoid repeating my rant—be aware of these little-known mulch facts. at all

1. Mulch doesn’t have to be wood bark.

Above: Debra Hill’s Oakland, California garden receives hay trucks a few times a year and mulches the garden, giving the area a quaint, carefree farm feel. Image from Garden Visit: A Wild Secret in the Heart of Temescal by Sylvia Linstead.

Mulch is made from many different materials, including gravel, compost, leaves, grass clippings, and straw. Obviously, some types of mulch—such as compost—will encourage microbial activity in the soil and release more nutrients as they decompose, but other types—such as gravel—last longer and don’t need frequent replenishment. In general, the mulch you choose should match your needs, garden style, and financial constraints.

2. Mulch can be flammable.

Above: In extremely dry areas, gravel is an excellent non-flammable mulching material. In Beth Chatto’s garden, it is used for mulching plants as well as lining walks. A few inches of material helps retain moisture and suppress weeds. Photo by Claire Coulson from Expert Advice: 11 Ideas for Designing a Gravel Garden.
It’s a good idea to carefully consider mulching options, especially around your home and other buildings or wood structures, as many of us are exposed to devastating wildfires.

Admittedly, the majority of mulch is composed of organic matter, some of which are more flammable than others. Thin or hard coverings catch fire more quickly. The top three items are pine needles, shredded rubber, and shredded cedar.The most fire-resistant choices are the inorganic types like decomposed granite, rocks and gravel. Pro Tip: Use fire-proof inorganic mulch materials within 5 feet of structures.

3. Mulch can be toxic.

Above: Using unprocessed organic material such as fallen leaves is almost always successful. Warning: This is a remnant of a black walnut tree. See below. From Your First Garden: What You Need to Know About Raking Leaves. I’m sure you love chocolate too, so when I heard about Cocoa Bean Mulch I was intrigued. That is, until I found out that mulch made from cocoa shells is especially dangerous for dogs. The lesson here is not to use this mulch around naturally curious pets.

Rubber mulch is another questionable mulch because, it is not organic and does not break down or provide anything beneficial to the soil. It can also leach substances harmful to plants.

You can get free mulch from utilities or tree companies (yay!), but be careful they don’t give you black walnut tree residue (boo!), because the tree’s toxic compound called juglone can harm or kill trees.

Finally, recycled wood such as old decks, pallets and crates can be used to make painted cladding—even the trendy black stuff—using cheap paints and recycled wood that may contain harmful preservatives like creosote or chromated copper. Arsenate (CCA). Earthworms, beneficial insects and healthy soil bacteria can all be killed by CCA-treated wood and can also be dangerous to humans and animals

Rubber mulch is another questionable mulch because, it is not organic and does not break down or provide anything beneficial to the soil. It can also leach substances harmful to plants.

4. Mulch needs to be refreshed.

Above: Mulch made from pine bark, formulated for use in pollinator gardens. Image sourced from Pollinator Gardens: 8 Easy Steps to Design a Landscape with Native Plants.
Inspect your garden in the spring and fall to see if your mulch needs a fresh layer. Do you see any open drainage or open spots? Or has your mulch been removed by runoff? If so, it would be preferable to have the load delivered to your home rather than buying it in unnecessary plastic bags.

5. Mulch can be installed wrong.

Above: Avoid creating mulch volcanoes. Photo provided by Flickr user extension.org.
When using mulch, be sure to follow some simple guidelines to avoid attracting unwanted germs, diseases, pests and weeds. The first thing to remember is that mulches should be kept two to four inches deep for them to be effective. Second, you must remove as many unwanted plants as possible from your area before spreading the mulch (no strict roundup, please).

Most weeds will be smothered by a thick layer of mulch, but others will find a way out even with mulch. Before spreading mulch, some gardeners use permeable weed cloth, which can be effective in large, unplanted areas. Finally, be careful not to bury any stems or trunks under the mulch Because it can cause rot and disease as well as water retention. Don’t cover the volcano, pro tip. Mulch should be placed about three inches away from the trunk and base of the tree to promote air flow and keep out insects.

ALSO READ : http://The Garden Decoder: What Is Green Mulch?

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