WHAT IS MULCHING?
Mulching simply refers to the act of spreading and covering the soil with a certain material. Mulching can be done to anything. From the colorful flower beds to green veggie ones.
Through recent years, mulching has proved to be of high significance. How? It is a question we have answered below. However, mulching has become extremely common and the people who are into gardening and growing things or simply farming, are very well aware of the benefits it provides and the different types of mulch that can be used in your garden.
SIGNIFICANCE OF MULCHING:
A gardener’s dream is to have a soil that has the moisture locked in it so that whatever is grown over it, grows in its best possible way. And well, that’s pretty much what mulching does and therefore, it is valued by them.
-Mulching helps trap the moisture in the soil.
-It also helps provide an additional covering more like a blanket that insulates the soil thus providing prevention against extreme weather conditions such as extreme sunshine and heat or cold.
-Not only does mulching help trap the moisture, but it also increases the overall fertility of the soil.
-The weeds are also kept out through the use of mulch.
-The beauty of your flower beds is enhanced through the use of mulch.
TYPES OF MULCH YOU CAN — USE IN YOUR GARDEN:
The first and foremost step you have to do after you have decided to mulch your garden is to select the type of mulch you need to use in your garden. The next part is selecting the amount or quantity. Below is a guide to help you know the amount of mulch that you can use in your garden and the different benefits they provide.
ORGANIC AND INORGANIC MULCHES:
Mulches are essentially of two types.
-Inorganic and organic.
Inorganic mulches are the ones which were not ever considered as living. Such as landscape fabrics and also the black plastic.
On the other hand, the organic mulches are the ones which are made out of substances that were once considered living. These include, remains of substances. For example, pine needles, compost, paper, leaves etc.
Both mulches have their own significance and prove to beneficial for the soil in different ways.
1-Hay
Not only does Hay provide a very eye-catching effect to your green garden, but it also helps fight the weeds. Retaining of the moisture of the soil is a no-problem kind of thing for hay. Plus, as it is an organic mulch, therefore, its breakdown provides the organic substance to the soil which is another big plus.
NOTE: Be very careful in selecting the hay you are using. The hay can be already containing weeds and it might have an adverse impact upon the soil. Moreover, be sure where you use it or otherwise you’ll end up with slug.
2- Coco bean hulls
Do you know how coco bean hulls are used for mulching? If you don’t, then let us introduce you to them.
When the cocoa bean hulls are provided with sunshine and they end up being roasted, there are two things that can be separately seen. The hull which is more like a shell, and the cocoa beans.
Fighter of weeds along with different microscopic organisms, this type of mulching just smells heavenly. The warm and chocolate color plus smell are a very welcoming scene. However, with benefits, this one has some drawbacks. These include changing them every year, and them proving to be dangerous and fatal for the animals (if you have pets at home).
NOTE: Be sure to apply them only one inch deep into the soil and provide with a slight spray of water to hold them in the right place.
3- Newspapers
Well, now your newspapers ain’t going to the waste because we have a way to utilize them.
Newspapers are composed by the use of organic dyes. This is why the focus towards them being used a mulch has increased over the time.
If you are someone who hasn’t been into gardening and your garden’s a mess but you are now somehow into it and want to give your garden a fresh start, there’s just no better mulch other than the newspapers.
Monitoring the temperatures of the soil along with fighting the pests is what it best does.
4- Pumice rock
Let’s start with the inorganic mulch. Pumice rock is quite attractive and beautiful, it will give your garden a very distinct look.
Pumice Rock is formed during volcano eruption. When it comes to characteristics, pumice is the most special of them all. It is very light, hence working nicely as mulch.
Due to its light weight, great aeration is provided to the soil and it stores moisture as well. It gives the roots space needed for growth, and doesn’t decay at all. This means that no fungi, insects or mold will harm your soil.
5- Pellets
Pellets are also called rubbers shreds. This mulch, despite being pricey, is considered worth it and the fact that it lasts for years and needs not to be replaced often contributes to it.
This mulch does not only have the good side to it but also brings with it the bad one. Let’s start off with the positive one.
This mulch, being water-resistant (because it is plastic), does not absorb water to the least. Since it does not absorb water, all the water goes deep into the roots. Moreover, it does not allow carpenter ants or termites and is highly resistant towards them.
The negative part includes it being very slow to breakdown. Also, plastic can be highly flammable hence it is used by some while others still argue over the question of its usage.
HOW TO KNOW THE QUANTITY OF MULCH THAT SHOULD BE — USED?
If you want to get a pre-idea of the quantity of mulch that your garden or area of growth requires, simply use a mulch calculator. These calculators are available online for free. You can use a mulch calculator. at the calculators.tech. It is highly reliable and gives efficient results. The requirements for usage and result determination are simple. Just provide the basic information such as the length and width of your garden.
