Mulching

[gardengirl]

MULCHING

Many gardeners consider mulching to be their best investment in time since the returns are so great. Mulching controls weed growth, retains soil moisture, provides a barrier between soilborne diseases and your plants, protects soil from erosion, and keeps fruit and leaves clean. You'll stay clean too, working among clean plants and walking on covered paths. Depending on the material used, there are other benefits as well.

ORGANIC MULCH

Organic mulches are plant residues like compost, bean hulls, grass clippings, shredded leaves, newspapers, pine needles, sawdust, wood chips, and straw. In general, they enhance soil productivity. They enrich the soil with plant nutrients during decomposition, as well as supply organic matter.

Organic mulches shelter and encourage the presence of beneficial organisms at the soil surface and just below it. Thick layers of mulch act as a cushion, reducing soil compaction. And at the end of the season, you don't have to remove them since they decompose naturally.

The vegetables you choose to grow and the location of your site will determine when and how you should apply mulch. Ideally, you should supply organic mulch before annual weeds (like lamb's quarter) have a chance to germinate and perennial weeds (like quack grass) emerge. Vegetables like peas and spinach will appreciate an early mulch, which can keep the soil cool. Early mulching is also a good idea in dry climates, since it traps moisture from spring rains. On the other hand, if you are planting heat-loving plants like eggplants or peppers, you want to want until the soil has warmed up before you apply mulch. Mulching later in the season is also useful in wet climates, since you'll give the soil a chance to dry out a bit.

You can build mulch layers 4 to 12 inches thick. Use less material in wet climates and more in dry climates. Keep mulch 4-8 inches away from plant stems-- you'll lessen the chance of slugs and snails problems and promote soil aeration, which helps prevent disease. Use a light-colored mulch like straw to reflect light and keep soil cool. Dark-colored mulches will help warm the soil.

Use whatever organic material you have handy. You can purchase bags, haul away free loads of shredded leaves or make your own compost to use as a mulch.

You'll have to amend some organic types or organic mulch. Pine needles and leaves, for example, are acidic and should be neutralized with lime. As a general rule, applying 5 pounds of lime per 100 square feet will raise the pH of your soil 1 point. Sandy soils will generally need less lime to raise the pH; clay soils need more. If you use seaweed, you'll want to rinse away the salt first. If you're uncertain of the nutrient value of a mulching material, have your soil tested annually so you'll know exactly what changes are taking place in your soil.

[gardengirl]

INORGANIC MULCH

Inorganic mulches include those materials that don't improve soil, like plastic or gravel. Gravel isn't practical in most vegetable gardens, but black plastic is widely used since it warms the soil early for the faster crops. Landscaping fabrics are similar to black plastic but have tiny pores to let water and air in. gardeners might find both black plastic landscaping fabric expensive, but they can last several seasons if you remove and store them each fall.

Black plastic should be put in place early in the season. Apply it several weeks before planting, to warm the soil. Landscape fabrics can go on anytime before planting. If you decide to use either of these materials, make sure you purchase the right width and length for your beds or rows. To determine the right width, measure across beds and rows, then add at least 6 inches to each side. After you lay it out, anchor the sides with soil, rocks, or boards. Cut away holes for planting. At the end of the season, remove and store it until next season, if it's still in good condition.

[gardengirl]

PEST CONTROL AND MULCH

• Mulch acts as a barrier between your plants and soilborne plant pathogens and insect pests.
• Mulch shelters beneficial organisms that help control pests.
• A mulch of compost helps control soilborne plant disease, since beneficial decomposer organisms are stronger than many plant pathogens.
• A mulch of aluminium foil confuses aphids and keeps them from landing on and damaging plant leaves.
• A 6 inch layer of straw mulch has been found to help control Colorado potato beetles in potatoes.

[cococrab]

How should I mulch then?

[arianne]

Wow, that's a lot of heavy information there. I don't know where to start, but I'm looking forward to it.

[vermigiant]

it really depends on what mulching materials you have which are readily available. You can use grass clippings, plastic, leaves etc. Just place it around each plant just like a fortress. Aside from preventing weed growth, mulching can also help conserve moisture.