Each year, nature provides a blanket of mulch which many gardeners treasure. Read on to discover the benefits of mulching, how to apply it and various types of organic mulches to choose from.
The Benefits of Mulch
This layer of mulch has many functions. It serves to suppress weeds, retain moisture, moderate the temperature of the soil, reduce compaction, decrease competition from other plants, improve soil structure, and provide nutrients to the soil. In our home gardens we remove debris to maintain an aesthetically pleasing appearance; however, this layer of organic matter is an important component in our gardens and can be left in place or replaced with organic mulch.
Suppressing weeds
A five-to-eight centimetre (two-to-three inch) layer of mulch will
prevent light from reaching the soil surface. This will stop small
weeds from emerging and prevent weed seeds from germinating. Weeds that
germinate on the surface of the mulch are easily removed by hand. Some
weeds, such as dandelions and thistles, have enough energy in their
roots to push through a layer of mulch. Ensure that these types of
weeds are removed entirely before placing mulch on a bed.
Retaining moisture
Applying mulch to a bed is an effective way to conserve water. It acts
as a barrier, reducing evaporation from the soil surface. Research
indicates that five centimetres of bark reduce moisture loss in summer
by 21 percent. Due to its structure, mulch will also assist with the
infiltration of water into the soil, thereby helping to prevent run off
and splashing of water during heavy rain.
Moderating soil temperature
Tiny root hairs are necessary for the absorption of moisture and
nutrients. By preventing extreme daily fluctuations in soil
temperature, mulch protects these sensitive root hairs from injury in
the heat of the day. In the fall, a layer of mulch will help to retain
ground heat that has penetrated deep into the soil, which will
encourage root growth longer into the season.
Reducing compaction
Foot traffic in a garden will cause compaction around the root zones of
plants. This reduces growth by limiting air exchange, water
infiltration, and percolation. As the air pockets in the soil are
compressed, the water-holding capacity of the soil is also reduced.
Water will pool at the soil surface, further preventing air exchange.
Compacted soil also makes root extension very difficult. A layer of
mulch helps to reduce compaction by limiting the need for foot traffic
due to a decreased need for weeding and by absorbing some of the
compaction.
Reducing competition
It's beneficial to place a ring of mulch around newly planted trees or
shrubs. Turf and weeds compete with plants, robbing them of nutrients
and water. Ensure that the mulch ring is between five and eight
centimetres thick and roughly the size of the root system below it. It
takes three to seven years for a plant to become fully established.
Reducing the competition around the plant will accelerate this process.
Continue to increase the size of the mulch ring each year until the
plant is well established. A mulch ring around a tree or shrub will
also prevent damage caused by lawn mowers and trimmers.
Improving soil structure
As organic matter decomposes it turns into humus. Humus acts like glue,
holding together soil particles to create crumbs. The formation of
crumbs improves soil structure. Improved soil structure allows for
proper air exchange, water infiltration, and percolation.
Providing nutrients to the soil
When mulch is placed in the garden it continues to decompose. As
microorganisms break down the organic matter, essential plant nutrients
are released into the soil. However, some materials actually rob the
soil of nitrogen as they decompose. Microorganisms in the soil use up
nitrogen as they consume the carbon in the organic material. As a
result, nearby plants suffer from nitrogen deficiency. This deficiency
is temporary. When the mulch has fully decomposed the nutrients are
released back into the soil. Adding partially decomposed mulch and
additional nitrogen fertilizer can prevent this condition. Grass
clippings, blood meal, or poultry manure can provide the additional
nitrogen required.
Applying Mulch
When placing mulch in your garden it is important to consider the texture of both the soil and the mulch. If a layer of mulch is too thick it may prevent air and water from reaching the soil. Air and water are important both to the roots of the plant and the microorganisms found within the soil. Heavy clay soils are not well aerated due to the small amount of pore space. Coarse mulch should be placed on clay soils in a layer no thicker than five centimetres. Sandy loam soils have larger pore spaces that allow for more aeration. A thicker layer of mulch with a fine texture can be added to a depth of eight centimetres.
Soil with a layer of mulch on top takes longer to warm in the spring. The layer of mulch also prevents water from evaporating. When adding mulch to a bed, wait until the soil temperature increases.
It is important not to place mulch against the base of trees, shrubs, or herbaceous plants. Mulch can provide a home for rodents that may chew on the base of plants causing severe damage and even killing the plant. Also, mulch retains moisture and heat, which will damage the base of the plant. Keep mulch 15 centimetres away from the base to prevent any problems.
Mulch decomposes as it ages; therefore it will need to be replenished from time to time. How often will depend on the type of mulch being used. Try to keep the layer five to eight centimetres thick throughout the season.
In the long run, mulching your flower and vegetable beds can save you a lot of time. It can drastically reduce the amount of time you spend weeding and watering. It also looks good and prevents soil from splashing onto your flowers when it rains.
Types of Organic Mulches
Bark
Bark provides an attractive type of mulch with good longevity, but if bark is not partially decomposed it may cause a nitrogen deficiency. Some species of trees, such as hardwoods, have bark that decomposes much slower than other species. Bark is relatively inexpensive and can be purchased in bags or by the yard from most garden centres or landscape supply companies. Bark is effective in reducing compaction and is not easily blown by the wind.
Pine needles
Pine needles are attractive, resist compaction, and decompose slowly. They are not readily available for purchase; however, they can be taken from beneath pines found on your own property at no cost. Pine needles will acidify the soil in time (this is a long process if the soil in your area is naturally alkaline).
Wood chips
Both fine and coarse textured wood chips can be purchased, though fine textured mulches decompose at a greater rate and more frequent applications will be required. Coarse textured mulches may be considered less aesthetically pleasing. Wood chips can be obtained from municipalities for little or no cost. You may also need to provide additional nitrogen to prevent depletion in the soil.
Shredded leaves
Leaves have a pleasing appearance and can be shredded with a composting mower or lawn mower and added to the garden. Shredded leaves decompose quickly, however, and must be replenished regularly. While leaves are available at no cost, they may cause a nitrogen deficiency. Whole leaves should not be added as they tend to mat and block water from infiltrating the soil. Well-rotted leaf mulch is perhaps the best mulch, providing nutrients as it breaks down into beneficial humus.
Straw
Straw has a coarse appearance that may be undesirable for some and will require frequent applications. Straw is inexpensive mulch that is ideal in vegetable gardens: while it provides the benefits of other mulches, it also keeps the fruits and vegetables clean. Note that nitrogen should be added to prevent depletion of this nutrient and that straw may carry weed seeds.