Adding mulch to your garden or flower beds helps retain moisture, suppresses weed growth and germination, adds nutrients to the soil, and reduces labor. Most mulches are beneficial but there are some you should stay away from. Here are some of the best and worst choices.
Why Mulch
Adding mulch around your plants requires a little time and effort. The long-term benefits are well worth it. Mulch should be 2” – 4” thick. Thinner layers may not prevent weed growth and too much prevents water from reaching the soil.
- Weed Prevention. Mulch keeps sunlight from reaching the soil and nourishing weeds. Even sprouted weeds can’t penetrate the mulch cover.
- Moisture Retention. Mulch absorbs water and keeps the soil damp. It also slows evaporation.
- Adds Nutrients. As it slowly decomposes, mulch adds nutrients–like nitrogen–to the soil to feed your plants.
- Erosion Control. Mulch prevents water runoff and wind from depleting topsoil. It helps resist pests.
- Aesthetics. Mulch looks better than raw dirt–especially in the spring before plants spread out.
Best Mulches
Knowing your soil pH before choosing a type of mulch is a good idea. Some mulches make the soil more acidic. If you already have acidic soil, avoid making it more acidic.
Ensure that your mulch is clean. No weed seeds. No pests. No residual chemicals that can ruin your garden soil.
Pine Needle (Straw) Mulch
Pine needle mulch decomposes slower than most other mulches. It helps turn alkaline soil slightly more acidic. Pine straw is very light and will not compress soil and roots. It allows water to penetrate easily but still prevents weed growth.
Pine needle mulch is 100% organic and forms an interlocking blanket that does not wash away. It is available online, from nurseries, and big box home building centers. The needles look natural in your garden or flower…