The Magical Properties of Mulch

Mulches can be of two kinds: Organic and Inorganic. Organic mulches include everything from straw, hay, pine shavings, shredded tree bark, lawn clippings, to newspaper. Inorganic mulches such as stone chips, pebbles, brick pieces do not have as many benefits as organic ones.

But whether organic or inorganic, the benefits of mulches include:

If you mulch regularly, you'll know that mulched soil is cooler than un-mulched soil in summer; while at the same time it doesn't freeze as deeply during winter. Though Mulched soils cool down slower in the fall and take more time to warm up, things are more conducive to growth as the soil temperature is graduated; letting your seedlings get used to things to come.

Mulching anytime of the year is good but is often done for varying purposes.

Mulching in the fall is done just after the ground is frozen and before the coldest temperatures arrive. Done any sooner, you could be inadvertently setting up an advert declaring free accommodation and food for rodents this winter.

Mulch in winter with material, like straw, that allows aeration and insulation without compacting under snow.

During late winter and early spring, your garden is subjected to repeated cycles of freezing at night and then thawing in the warmth of the sun. These alternate and extreme temperature fluctuations cause many small or shallow rooted plants to be lifted out of the soil. No wonder then with the root damage suffered, you end up with either dead plants or plants too injured to put up a good blooming display in Spring. AVOID these rapid fluctuations in soil temperature with Mulching.

Mulch in the summer to your harvest or flower garden just after your soil has properly warmed up-Soils that are mulched earlier remain cooler and wet ;thus slowing seed germination and increasing the possibilities of decay. This is applicable even if you are only adding an additional layer of mulch to existing beds.

Inorganic vs Organic Mulch

Inorganic mulch helps when you need to win the battle against rodents or in very moist climates, where if you used organic mulch, the resultant excessive moisture would create a natural abode for slugs and snails, and makes your plants prone to rot.
However, organic mulches wins hands down over inorganic ones as they improve root growth and penetration, excellent water draining abilities as well as retaining capacity, perfect for beneficial soil microorganisms.

For a healthier landscape that's green in more than just one way, use nature's own products to stock up on nutrients -MULCH!