Apply Mulch to Improve Soil Conditions
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Mulch is a cover that is used on top of soil to help maintain good soil quality. There are many different kinds, such as organic mulches (shredded wood, pine needles, newspaper, etc.), compost and rock mulches. While all of these mulches are made of different materials, they all are used for the same purposes.
Why use mulch?
- Provides a barrier between the top of the soil and elements, reducing water loss due to evaporation. This helps to conserve water in your garden.
- Prevents the growth of weeds when used around plants or on the ground instead of plants.
- Prevents erosion of your soil
- Keeps soil temperatures constant
- Releases minerals into your soil and naturally fertilizes existing plants
Mulch is usually applied towards the beginning of the growing season, and may be reapplied as necessary. It serves initially to warm the soil by helping it retain heat. This allows early seeding and transplanting of certain crops, and encourages faster growth. As the season progresses, the mulch stabilizes temperature and moisture, and prevents sunlight from germinating weed seed. In home gardens, organic mulch is usually spread by hand around emerged plants. Organic mulches are usually piled quite high, six inches or more, and settle over the season.
Tips:
- Woody mulch, like shredded bark, consumes nitrogen as it decays. Apply extra nitrogen to ensure a proper supply for plant growth.
- Do not apply fine-textured mulches (like grass clippings) in thick layers that can mat down and smother the soil.
- Mulch helps to keep the soil moist. Keep this in mind, and do not overwater your garden. Areas that are constantly wet can turn into breeding groups for plant-eating slugs and snails.
Beware: Sour Mulch
Green Tip:
Prevent Runoff by using plants that cover the entire ground surface. Runoff can carry harmful chemicals, pesticides and excessive amounts of phosphorus and nitrogen into waterways.
Mulch should normally smell like freshly cut wood, but sometimes will develop a toxicity that will cause it to smell like vinegar, ammonia, sulfur or silage. This happens if the material is not rotated often enough to get air circulating through it. If this happens, start mixing your mulch where it is - it will soon stop smelling sour. If the sour mulch is placed around plants, the toxicity in the sour mulch could severely damage your plants. Plants that are predominantly low to the ground or freshly planted are the most susceptible.
