Mulching is the gardener’s friend, especially during spring. It offers various sustainable benefits to the soil.
The mulch market is also growing with the increased demand for advanced farming techniques. You can find mulch in Creve Coeur, MO, for your garden very easily.
Seek professional help for the garden area if you are new to mulching. Doing it in the wrong manner can cause more harm than benefit.
The article talks about materials you can use for ecologically safe mulching and tips to keep in mind.
Biodegradable materials you can use
There are biodegradable materials you can use to cover up your garden. It works to keep weeds away and helps soil retain moisture for long.
Additionally, it will break down with time, adding nutrients to the soil.
Here are a few materials you can use:
- Leaf Mold: To make leaves mold, all you need to do is gather up leaves and put them in a black bin bag. You can make holes for drainage at the bottom and leave them for decomposition.
This process will take several months but is one of the best materials you will use to cover your soil.
- Straws: It is one of the best materials which you can use around vegetable and fruit plants. It breaks down quickly and is light and clean.
Few suppliers mix hay with the straw, so it is wise to check the quality before buying straws.
- Cocoa Shells: These can be your best choice for late autumn as they are lightweight and easy to carry around. Moreover, cocoa shells can be easy to work with while working in heavy soil.
It contains nutrients such as phosphate, potash, nitrogen, etc. It is crucial to remember that these can be toxic to dogs.
- Seashells: There may be times when you will need mulch that doesn’t break off easily and looks decorative on the soil. Being a source of calcium and phosphate, it provides essential nutrients to the ground.
What is the ideal time for mulching?
You can mulch at any time during the year, but the time around mid to late spring is best as weeds are yet to appear.
Cover your soil with the mulch as it starts looking a little scarce. During the fall, you can cover a thick layer of tender plants such as Dahlias, Salvias, etc.
It will help them to grow throughout winter properly and unharmed.
Can it be harmful at times?
Mulching adds various benefits to the soil, such as preventing erosion, adding nutrients, protecting roots from weeds, etc.
Here are lesser-known facts nobody tells you about mulching.
- Inflammable: It is wise to carefully consider mulching materials you use in the garden or around the home area. Some materials are more flammable and may cause wildfires if they ignite.
Using inorganic material around structures is advisable, preferably within five feet.
- Toxic: Using different materials for mulching comes with benefits and consequences. For instance, using rubber mulch doesn’t add any help to the soil.
Also, using dyed mulch can be harmful as it may feature cheap dye, which can be detrimental to plants. Be aware of the mulch materials before you start using them.
It is advisable to use professional help.
- Attract bacteria: Mulching, when done in the wrong way, can welcome bacteria, weeds, and diseases that can be harmful to plants and soil. Make sure you mulch the soil two to four feet deep for effective results.
Do not add trunks or stems along with the cover, causing water retention, which further results in the rotting of plants. It is vital to keep mulch at least three feet away from plants for better air circulation.
Summing up
Every mulch offers different benefits to the soil. Therefore, make a wise choice among various mulch as it will provide your ground with essential nutrients and an aesthetic look.
You can try mulch in Creve Coeur, MO, for any professional help. You can also add gravel and stones around plants which require good drainage.