The Citizen, 2019-05-09, Page 16PAGE 16. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MAY 9, 2019.
Home and Garden 2019
Mulch offers solution to weeds, moisture loss
MS –Mulch is available in
various forms. Like other land and
garden products, mulch can go a
long way toward helping plants
thrive.
Mulch comprises just about any
material that is spread over the
surface of soil. Its purpose is
primarily to help soil retain
moisture. In addition, mulch can
staunch weed growth, keep soil cool,
improve the aesthetics of garden
beds, and even improve soil nutrient
composition. When the right mulch
is chosen, it can reduce the amount
of time homeowners spend watering
and weeding their gardens and
insulate plants from dramatic
changes in weather.
Gardeners may not realize that
mulch also can prevent garden soil
from becoming overly compacted,
according to HGTV. This can mean
beneficial earthworms can move
easily through the soil, creating
channels for water and depositing
their nutrient-rich waste products.
Gardeners can choose organic or
inorganic mulch. Organic mulches
are derived from natural materials
that will decompose over time,
lending organic matter as well as
various nutrients to the soil. Organic
mulches also may contain beneficial
microorganisms that can fight
against plant diseases. Inorganic
mulches may be made of stones,
landscape fabrics and plastic. Both
types will need to be amended or
replaced as they degrade.
Those who want the most
environmentally-friendly mulching
materials can choose all-natural
mulches instead of synthetic
alternatives.
To work effectively, mulch should
be applied in a two- to three-inch
layer of material, state the experts at
Old World Garden Farms. This is the
ideal amount to retain soil moisture
and suppress weed growth without
choking plants. Also, mulch that is
too thick may make it impossible for
water to penetrate, or it may prevent
the soil from airing out, causing
continuously wet conditions that
lead to root and stem rot.
The University of Connecticut
Home & Garden Education Center
says mulch should not be placed
directly against plant crowns or tree
bases, as this can promote the
development of disease. It may also
serve as a habitat for bark- and stem-
eating rodents. The centre also
suggests watering newly installed
bark or wood mulches to prevent
fungi from colonizing in dry mulch
and causing problems like a water-
repellent surface on the mulch.
Home landscapers considering
mulch types may find that compost,
manure and grass clippings (from
non-pesticide-treated lawns) can be
inexpensive and versatile in garden
beds. The home advice site The
Spruce notes that newspaper may
also be effective. Many newspapers
have switched over to organic dyes,
especially for their black and white
sections. Newspapers are an
inexpensive way to suppress weeds
and act like organic mulch in beds.
They can be covered with other
organic mulch, like shredded bark,
for more visual appeal.
Mulch can be a versatile asset
when doing gardening projects
around home landscapes. And
the benefits are more than just
aesthetic.
Mulch: a garden panacea
Mulch does more than add colour and make plants pop, it
can provide insulation, a barrier against moisture loss, a
weed deterrent and reduce the amount of time that
gardeners spend watering and tending to beds. (MS photo)
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