The Gardener’s Assistant – Mulch And How It Benefits Your Soil

What is mulch all about?

Why do people use mulch for fertilizing their soil?

Actually mulch is a material that is part of the topsoil and it is generally applied to the surface of the topsoil, as it retains moisture and also does not rot or give out bad smell. They are often considered a gardeners friend and as they help in retaining moisture and control and suppress the growth of weeds. Mulch comes in various forms mainly categorized as organic and non-organic. For instance, straw, kitchen scraps, and shredded pieces of timber give a better vitality to the soil. Sawdust, newspapers and animal manure also help in this regard.

Types of mulch

Mulch can be classified into two categories; organic and inorganic mulch

Organic mulch

- Barks are often used in mulching in both its shredded or chipped state.

- Needles of pines

- Clippings of grasses

- Newspaper

- Shredded leaves

- Straw

Synthetic or in-organic mulch

- Black plastic is often used in mulching with plantings used in foundations. They do not require frequent watering or fertilization however there is a downside to the usage of plastics, during the summer months, it kills all the weeds but with the increase in temperature, it also kills whatever is inside. That is why before using black plastic for use as mulch it is recommended to cut some holes in them for proper air circulation. For additional benefits, gravel pieces and even small stone pieces are also used.

Advantages of mulching

As mentioned, mulching is very beneficial to gardeners and the soil. This is because:

1. It reduced the growth of weeds in the soil. This is achieved by keeping light from reaching the surface of the soil which in normal circumstances where mulching is not conducted would find itself overrun with weeds.

2. Water evaporates and in hot summer days, the heat of the sun can cause much loss of water from the soil causing it to dry and crack and eventually drying all the plants of its moisture. This helps it in retaining moisture in the soil.

3. It serves as an insulating unit for the soil as its protective cover ensures the soil retains heat during winters and stays cool during summers.

4. Its protective layering ensures that the soil from the surface does not stick on the leaves of plants. This reduces the risk of plant diseases from contamination with the soil. Plants like tomatoes and melons benefit from having their topsoil mulched as it significantly reduces the risk of plant-based diseases which keeps them healthy, tasty, and fresh.

5. In the case of organic mulch, they serve double purposes after some time. Organic mulch breaks down and the soil feeds on them

6. They serve great in reducing soil erosion and also to some degree soil compaction

7. It also serves to please the eye as it creates a visual sense of uniformity in your garden which many find very appealing.

8. Mulch readily enhances the overall vitality of the soil and also leads to better plant growth and flower and fruit germination.

Owning a garden is no small feat. It hosts its brand of complications and challenges which requires skill and knowledge to navigate. There are however certain problems that occur universally like having your garden overrun with weeds. Try using mulch for your weed problems. Weed grown on the surface of the soil, mulching is a process of covering the topsoil with the usage of organic and inorganic substances to block out the sun. This effectively reduces the growth of weeds and is safer and more economical in comparison to other methods. Make sure you get all the details before you get the mulch for your services.