- Author: Leonard Cicerello
- Editor: Noni Todd
MULCHING
By Leonard Cicerello UCCE Master Gardener
I get very confused about what kind of mulch to use and how thick to spread it. Can you help? Candace in Atascadero.
Spreading mulch throughout your garden beds is a simple thing you can do that will reward you with many positive results. Mulch can improve the appearance of your landscape while conserving water, suppressing weeds, and will improve the health of your plants and soil.
There are several types of mulch which are made mostly from wood products. Gravel can even be used as mulch. Since they vary in appearance, often the choice is made based on color and texture. Other considerations include redwood mulch for sun loving plants and peat moss for shade loving plants because of the higher acid content.
There are many different types of mulch: shredded bark, redwood mulch, shredded cedar, peat moss, cocoa hulls, rice hulls, compost, straw, newspaper and more.
How thick do you layer it? Four inches thick is optimum. Ultimately, it depends on how much money you want to spend, how much time you want to spend spreading it, and essentially your estimation of what works best for you.
Another appropriate use of mulch would be to smother lawns or dense weeds. A thick layer of compost or mulch will cause the lawn or weeds to decay while adding organic matter to the soil. A thick layer of newspaper will do the same job, and then later decompose.
In the summertime, mulch will help maintain moisture longer in the soil and will also to keep the ground from cracking. In the wintertime, mulch will keep plants warmer and reduce damage from frost.
Making your own mulch can save you money and time and does not require a lot of space to do so. A mulch pile can be a simple pile in the yard. Or, you could build a small bin or buy a mulch barrel. And if you are so inclined, you can invest in a shredder to shred your own materials.
By following time honored guidelines for making and using mulch, your efforts will reward you with healthy plants, healthy soil, and water efficiency .
For more information the impact of mulch in the garden, visit http://ucanr.edu/sites/UrbanHort/files/80212.pdf