In the World of gardening, mulch is a pretty big deal. Not only does it improve the quality of your soil and protect from weed growth, it also helps make your garden look neat and natural, as well as protecting the roots of your plants through winter months.
But what is mulch exactly? Mulch is available as either organic or non-organic. Organic mulch is made up of a mixture of living material such as;
• Chopped Leaves
• Straw
• Grass Cuttings
• Compost
• Wood Chips
• Chipped Bark
• Sawdust
• Pine Needles
Non-organic mulch can include gravel, stones, black plastic and geotextiles (landscape fabrics).
Whether you choose organic or non-organic, your mulch will perform in much the same way, and can be used universally, whether you are growing vegetables, or prize winning roses. It is considered one of the best time saving measures a gardener can take because;
• Mulch helps to retain water in the soil during warmer months
• It discourages weeds from growing
• Organic mulch improves the quality of your soil as it decomposes
• Can help deter pests
• Helps to protect roots from temperature changes
• Stops edible crops from coming into contact with soil
• Provides a natural finish to your garden
When using mulch to stop weed growth, there are two rules of thumb; make sure the area you want to lay mulch on has already been thoroughly weeded and ensure that you put down a nice thick layer, roughly 4-6 inch in troublesome areas and 2-3 inch in more shady areas to ensure that weeds cannot push through.
Mulch should be applied to your garden ideally from mid to late spring, when the soil is moist and warm.
Call today to order your mulch or to discuss your specific needs on 01362 638441