Use of mulch

• Use of mulch

Maintain a 4” layer of mulch or organic matter covering the garden surface throughout the year. This enables optimum plant and root growth by:

reducing crusting and cracking of the soil surface

• holding in moisture

• encouraging earthworms, moderating soil temperatures for optimum root growth,

• improving the soil as it decomposes

preventing weeds from germinating

• Organic mulches, which include compost, wood chips, grass clippings, rice hulls, bark,

straw, sawdust, leaves, and other similar materials, reduce moisture loss. They should be placed in a layer 2 - 3” thick to be the most effective. In addition to their value for

moisture conservation, they can be tilled into the soil after cropping to improve the organic content. They will also be helpful in controlling weeds if they are in a thick-

enough layer

Natural inorganic mulches include sand, gravel, and pebbles. They do not provide or

- organic matter for soil, but do conserve moisture. If using a rock mulch, consider placing a

landscape fabric underneath to create a layer of the mulch and the soil and pre-

vent rock pieces from sinking into the soil. Black plastic has been used to improve weed control, but it restricts air and water movement. Synthetic mulches, which are manufactured

materials that are called geotextile or landscape fabrics, have been developed to re-

place black plastic in the landscape. Geotextiles are porous and allow water and air to pass through them, overcoming the major disadvantage of black plastic.

Mulch decreases evaporation from the soil by 70% or more; allowing you to water less often. Keep mulch several inches away from tree trunks and plant stems to enable good

air circulation. Water well before applying mulch, or you will insulate dry soil rather than moist soil. Let grass clippings dry out a bit before piling them (or just spread them thinly), or they will clump into a mat that stinks and is impervious to later watering.