Mulching

What is mulching?

Mulching is a widely-practiced gardening technique that is beneficial for plants when done properly. It is the act of covering the soil with mulches, such as bark, wood chips, leaves, and other organic material, in order to preserve moisture and improve the condition of the soil.

The benefits that mulching provides can save you a lot of time in maintaining your landscape. 

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What are the benefits of mulching?

When quality mulches cover the soil, they prevent the loss of soil moisture as by reducing evaporation. They increase water infiltration while also preventing soil compaction due to dryness.

Mulches also control the germination and growth of weeds and inhibit the spread of soil-borne diseases. These mulches can also serve as insulation to stabilize the soil temperature and protect the roots from extreme temperatures during summer or winter.

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What are the different types of mulch?

While there are many different forms of mulches, the two major types are organic and inorganic. 

• Organic mulches are commonly used because they decompose and add nutrients to the soil in order to improve its fertility. These mulches include wood chips, hardwood bark, softwood bark, and pine needles.  These different organic mulches decompose at varying rates depending on the material, climate, and microorganisms present in the soil. Since these organic materials decompose, and some decompose more rapidly, the mulches need to be replenished often.

• Inorganic mulches are low maintenance because they do not need to be replenished. These mulches, however, do not decompose and add nutrients so they lack the ability to improve the soil quality or fertilize the soil. Examples of inorganic mulches that are commonly used are different types of stones, lava rock, pulverized rubber, and others.