Benefits Of Adding Mulch In The Garden

What is mulch and how can it help

Mulch is made of decomposed natural materials which can act as fertilizer to help garden plants grow healthy and strong. The leaves, twigs, and pine needles found on the ground in wooded areas are good examples. Trees shed these materials routinely so there is always plenty of organic material on the ground. In addition, all kinds of animals that live in and around the trees leave their waste matter. This matter eventually decomposes and becomes fertilizer for the soil below the top layer of the ground. Animals will also die in the forest leaving decomposing carcasses. All these forms of organic matter eventually result in a mulch material that also makes a good compost to support plant growth. It is often mixed with living plant and stone materials also found in the forest.

However, this level of decayed organic matter is usually too much for the backyard garden. It is also difficult to harvest. So gardeners must find comparable solutions to feed their own planting beds, vegetable gardens, and landscaped areas. There are 3 basic types of garden mulch: organic, living, and inorganic.

Inorganic stone mulch

This type of material is made up of rocks and stones that cannot be broken down with water or other liquids. It is used to preserve planting areas and helps the ground beneath to retain moisture, while allowing rain and water to penetrate the soil. It will not decompose but may require additional stone to be added occasionally. Another advantage of stone is that it can be found in varying natural colors or earth tones to coordinate with landscaping. It makes excellent landscaping mulch for plants like succulents that grow in dry, arid regions and do not require frequent watering.

Organic mulch

The most common organic product is pine bark chips. This type of product comes from the forest and can be used to retain moisture as well as add a decorative accent to planting beds. It will break down over time and can add some nutrients to the soil, acting as somewhat of a natural fertilizer. Most pine barks are somewhat light in color and serve as a natural looking and attractive accent for planting areas.

Living mulch

Ground cover such as with various creeping vines, ivy, and other spreading plants is considered living material that can cover and protect the soil from erosion. Though they do not necessarily add nutrients ground covers help prevent the depletion of nutrients from the soil and inhibit the growth of weeds and harmful micro-organisms. Professionals at gardening supply retailers can often give advice on the types of ground cover that will work for specific conditions or climate conditions.

Like the forest ground cover mulch is designed to retain moisture and nutrients in the soil, inhibit harmful organisms from growing, prevent erosion, and often provide a more decorative or natural look to planting areas.

To see our mulch, watch this VIDEO.

More information and helpful tips about mulch in the garden can be found here.