Types of Mulch:
- Organic Mulch:
- Materials: Wood chips, straw, leaves, bark, grass clippings, and compost.
- Benefits: Improves soil quality as it decomposes, adding nutrients and organic matter to the soil.
- Best For: Garden beds, flowerbeds, and vegetable gardens.
- Inorganic Mulch:
- Materials: Gravel, pebbles, or landscape fabric.
- Benefits: Long-lasting and low-maintenance, perfect for decorative purposes or around trees and shrubs.
- Best For: Pathways, ornamental areas, or places where you don’t need the mulch to break down.
Benefits of Mulch:
- Retains Moisture: Mulch helps the soil retain water, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Suppresses Weeds: A thick mulch layer prevents sunlight from reaching weed seeds, limiting their growth.
- Regulates Soil Temperature: Keeps roots cooler in summer and warmer in winter, providing a stable environment for plants.
- Improves Soil Structure: As organic mulch decomposes, it enriches the soil, enhancing its texture and drainage.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Inorganic mulches like pebbles provide a clean, polished look for your garden.
Application Tips:
- Preparation:
- Clear the area of weeds or old mulch before applying fresh mulch.
- Water the soil well before adding mulch to ensure it’s moist underneath.
- Layer Thickness:
- Apply a 5-7cm layer of mulch. Too thick can suffocate plants, while too thin won’t provide full benefits.
- Avoid piling mulch directly against plant stems or tree trunks to prevent rot. Leave a small gap (a few centimetres) around the base.
- Maintenance:
- Refresh organic mulch every year as it breaks down over time.
- Stir or fluff the mulch occasionally to prevent it from compacting.
Mulching is a simple yet effective way to improve your garden’s health and appearance. Whether you go organic or inorganic, it’s an investment that will pay off!
🌸 At Lumpy’s Nursery & Landscape Yard, we stock mulch in both bagged products & bulk supplies and are happy to help you with all your gardening needs!
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