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Garden Mulch for the organic garden
The Benefits of Mulch
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Mulching is the application of organic
matter on any exposed soil between plants and shrubs and should be carried
out while the soil is warm and moist.
Benefits of Mulching
Retaining moisture
A good layer of garden compost or
well-rotted mature will keep the soil below cool and moist and therefore
help retain moisture. Never mulch on top of dry soil as it may stop
rainwater soaking in.
Suppressing weeds
A layer of mulch will exclude light and
therefore stop weed seeds germinating. However, you must ensure that the
ground is weed free before you mulch as it does not actually stop the
weeds from growing.
Improving the soil
The mulch will eventually be dragged down
into the soil by worms thereby adding goodness to the lower levels of the
soil. This is sometimes known as the "no dig" technique for soil
improvement.
Types of Mulch
Manure
Fresh manure releases ammonia which can
scorch or kill plants, therefore, should be kept for six months before
being used so that it rots down sufficiently. Don't keep it too long
though as you will find all the nutrients will have been washed out by the
rain.
Leaf Mould
Leaf Mould is just well rotted leaves but
it makes a wonderful mulch. Just collect fallen leaves during the Autumn,
pack into black plastic bags, make some holes in the bags to allow rain
water to escape and leave to rot down for 2-3 years.
Mushroom Compost
Mushroom compost tends to be alkaline due
to the chalk used in the casing material but if you live in a mushroom
growing area it can be a good source of organic matter. It is especially
good for acid soils.
Chipped Bark
Chipped Bark is good for mulching but
composted bark is excellent for soil improvement.
Garden Compost
Your own garden compost is rich in
nutrients and is one of the best soil improvers there is so use it as a
mulch every year to get the benefits.
Peat
Peat used to be the main soil improver for
gardeners but in recent years more and more people are realising the
damage peat-extraction is making to wetland areas so it is best avoided.
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