What’s one of the best—and easiest—things you can do to keep your plants in tip-top shape this spring? Mulch. Topping your plants with a layer of mulch protects roots from heat, cold, and drought. Mulching a host of other benefits, too:
- Conserves soil moisture
- Reduces weed growth
- Improves soil structure
- Adds a polished, neat touch to your landscape
And that just skims the surface. Learn more about the benefits of mulching from this Ohio State University Extension Fact Sheet.
The possibilities for mulch materials are endless. Mulch varieties fall into one of two categories: Organic and inorganic. Organic mulch—think bark, wood chips, grass clippings, and shredded hardwood, to name a few—decomposes into the soil over time to add vital nutrients and needs to be replaced on occasion. As you might have guessed, inorganic varieties—recycled rubber, crushed stone, landscape cloth, and more—don’t offer any nutritional benefits to the soil but are often more long-lasting.
Want to learn more about different type of mulches—as well as their pros and cons? Check out this This Old House photo gallery showcasing mulch materials. And if you still can’t decide between an organic or inorganic mulch, this HGTV article provides insight—and also addresses other mulch-related issues such as selecting light or dark materials.
Too much mulch can be a bad thing—especially during early spring, when an overly thick layer could slow the warming process. That’s why it’s best to wait until mid to late spring to apply it. When working with finer materials, a 1- to 2-inch layer should be sufficient; for thicker mulches, try a 3- to 4-inch layer. And avoid piling mulch up against tree bark or the stems of woody plants. Bone up on general guidelines for mulch application, courtesy of the United States Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service. This Clemson University Extension detailed info guide is also handy. Better yet, if you know the dimensions of the space you’re working with, this mulch calculator from Lowe’s takes the guesswork out of the whole process.
One type of mulch—cocoa mulch—is touted for being a fabulous soil amendment and pest deterrent. But because it’s made from cocoa shells, it’s dangerous for pets—especially dogs. So is it possible to get the best of both worlds? Stay tuned—in tomorrow’s post, I’ll address how to pet-proof your home.
Until tomorrow,
The Home Know-It-All
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