DIY Network

Gardening Basics: Mulch The Amazing World of Mulch From "Dirt On Gardening" episode DDOG-106

Garden fabric is an "inorganic mulch" that helps with weed reduction.

What Is Mulch?

Mulch is an organic (and sometimes non-organic) material that you apply to the soil to aid primarily in moisture regulation and weed control. It is typically layered on top of garden beds, around trees, shrubs and other plants in your yard or landscape.

Why Mulch?

Not only can mulch be used to make your landscape more attractive, it can also reduce the amount of maintenance. Mulch provides many benefits to plants such as reduction of water evaporation, weed growth and soil erosion.

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Mulch Basics

• Mulch comes readily available in bags or bulk delivered, and they come in different colors and textures. Most are inexpensive.
  
• There is no single "all purpose" mulch that works in all situations. Mulch needs can vary by season, climate and growing zone.
  
• Application depends on plant variety.
  
• An ideal mulch should be economical, readily available and easy to apply or remove.
  
• It should stay in place, and be free of weeds. It should also not be a harbor for insects or disease.
  
• In general, the effectiveness of a mulch depends on the density and texture of the material used and the depth of the layer applied. A three to six-inch layer of most mulch products will achieve the three main objectives: weed reduction, moisture conservation and temperature buffering.

Figure A

Types of Mulches: Organic vs. Non-Organic

Organic mulches are the ideal materials for mulching will eventually become part of the soil, adding much needed organic material and nutrients. With any of these materials that are "fresh" it is necessary to add a little nitrogen to compensate for what is absorbed by the mulch as it breaks down. Examples of organic mulches include:

• wood bark chips, (figure A)
  
• lawn clippings and
  
• straw

Figure B

Non-organic mulches are typically used more for decorative or aesthetic value as they add little or nothing, in terms of nutrients, to the soil. Examples include:

• rock or gravel,
  
• black plastic,
  
• outdoor carpet and
  
• landscape fabric (figure B)

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