Best Hits 2021: This week, we’ll be republishing the most well-liked posts of the 12 months. Pleased studying!

Okay, let me get this ridiculous pun out of my head: Gardeners do it mulch higher! Phew, we are able to now transfer on. Nonetheless corny, although, that phrase does converse the reality.

Mulch is a type of backyard necessities that has quite a few advantages, and when used accurately, this versatile materials can assist the soil and promote plant well being by defending  roots from warmth and chilly, stopping erosion and soil compaction, and lowering your work load by suppressing weeds. All this you probably already know. So listed here are some lesser identified mulch information to concentrate on earlier than you make the good move to make use of this multitasking materials—and, hopefully, to not repeat my mulch pun. Ever.

Please maintain studying to be taught much more about mulch:

1. Mulch doesn’t need to be wooden bark.

Many supplies can be utilized as mulch, corresponding to gravel, grass clippings, straw, leaves and compost. After all some mulch selections (like compost) will stimulate microbial exercise within the soil and add extra vitamins because it breaks down, whereas others (like gravel) are longer lasting and don’t should be replenished as usually. Mainly, your mulch alternative ought to match your finances, backyard type and backyard wants.

2. Mulch may be flammable.

Many people have harmful wildfires on our minds; so it’s sensible to consider carefully about your mulch selections, particularly round your private home and different buildings or wooden constructions. After all most mulch is constituted of natural materials so it’s actually flammable, however some supplies are extra so than others. Typically, positive or stringy mulches ignite faster. Pine needles prime the listing, as do shredded cedar bark and shredded rubber. Essentially the most fire-resistant selections are the inorganic sorts like decomposed granite, rocks and gravel. Professional Tip: Use fire-proof inorganic mulch supplies inside 5 toes of constructions.

3. Mulch may be poisonous.

Little doubt that I really like chocolate (perhaps you do, too), so once I heard that there was such a factor as cocoa bean mulch I used to be intrigued—till I realized that this mulch, constituted of cocoa shells, is very poisonous to canine. The lesson is to keep away from utilizing this mulch when you have curious pets.

One other questionable mulch is rubber mulch, which clearly shouldn’t be natural so it doesn’t decompose or add something helpful to the backyard. Plus, it will possibly leach chemical compounds that may hurt vegetation.

Free mulch may be acquired from tree or utility corporations (yeah!), however be certain they’re not providing you with the stays of a black walnut tree (boo!) because the poisonous chemical referred to as juglone within the tree can harm and even kill vegetation.

Final, dyed mulch—even that stylish black stuff—may be made with low cost dyes and from recycled handled wooden like outdated decks, pallets, and crates which will include nasty preservatives like creosote or chromated copper arsenate (CCA). CCA-treated wooden can kill earthworms, helpful bugs, good soil micro organism, plus be dangerous to individuals and animals who dig in it.

4. Mulch must be refreshed.

Within the spring and fall, stroll your backyard and see in case your mulch wants a brand new contemporary layer. Do you see naked spots, uncovered irrigation? Or has runoff taken your mulch away? In that case, contemplate getting a load delivered to your home (higher than shopping for it in wasteful plastic baggage).

5. Mulch may be put in unsuitable.

To keep away from attracting undesirable micro organism, illness, pests, and annoying weeds, guarantee that that you just observe some primary guidelines once you apply mulch. Very first thing to recollect: mulch must be utilized roughly two to 4 inches deep for it to be efficient. Second, earlier than making use of mulch, you’ll need to weed your space as finest as potential (however, please, with out nasty RoundUp). A thick layer of mulch will suffocate most weeds, however the tenacious ones will discover their technique to freedom regardless of the overlaying. Some gardeners use a permeable weed material earlier than making use of mulch and that may undoubtedly work in bigger, unplanted areas. Final, be sure you don’t bury any trunks or stems with mulch as it will result in water retention and potential rot and illness. Professional Tip: No mulch volcanoes. Maintain mulch about three inches away from the bottom of vegetation and tree trunks to permit for air circulation and to forestall bugs from hanging out.

For extra on mulch, see:

N.B.: This submit was first printed October 2021.