There are quite a few organic materials that work great as a garden mulch material. Some work better that others though, but sometimes you just have to use what's available.
As the mulch breaks down over time it will nourish the plants but it's main goal is to shield the soil and help eliminate evaporation into the atmosphere.
A store bought mulch may also keep the weeds from starting. A homemade organic mulch is probable where most of the weed seeds will come from. But if they are caught early they should not be difficult to deal with.
Straw is usually used and it is a very good mulch because it is porous and it allows moisture to pass through easily. It often comes in a compressed bale and it can be broken up to cover a large area.
It is pretty cheap and it can be used as an undercoating to a more attractive and costly mulch, not to mention that worms just love the stuff.
There are a few types of straw. Rice straw is one kind and is available in the fall months. Often it is weed free and can be used instantly, but it deteriorates very fast.
Another choice is wheat straw. It will last a long time and it has a good consistency. Place the wheat straw when it is dry because when it gets wet from rain water it is very hard to move.
Alfalfa is more expensive but it does offer a few extra advantages. It has more nutritional value for the soil plus it also makes an excellent feed for livestock. It is also seedless so it will not produce any unwanted plants in your garden.
The good news is you really do not have to spend any money. Most of what you need is just yard waste.
Fallen leaves can be put to excellent use in your garden bed and make a good garden mulch. They will soften the effects of heavy rain on your soil as well as protect your plants from freezing temperatures in the winter.
As the mulch breaks down over time it will nourish the plants but it's main goal is to shield the soil and help eliminate evaporation into the atmosphere.
A store bought mulch may also keep the weeds from starting. A homemade organic mulch is probable where most of the weed seeds will come from. But if they are caught early they should not be difficult to deal with.
Straw is usually used and it is a very good mulch because it is porous and it allows moisture to pass through easily. It often comes in a compressed bale and it can be broken up to cover a large area.
It is pretty cheap and it can be used as an undercoating to a more attractive and costly mulch, not to mention that worms just love the stuff.
There are a few types of straw. Rice straw is one kind and is available in the fall months. Often it is weed free and can be used instantly, but it deteriorates very fast.
Another choice is wheat straw. It will last a long time and it has a good consistency. Place the wheat straw when it is dry because when it gets wet from rain water it is very hard to move.
Alfalfa is more expensive but it does offer a few extra advantages. It has more nutritional value for the soil plus it also makes an excellent feed for livestock. It is also seedless so it will not produce any unwanted plants in your garden.
The good news is you really do not have to spend any money. Most of what you need is just yard waste.
Fallen leaves can be put to excellent use in your garden bed and make a good garden mulch. They will soften the effects of heavy rain on your soil as well as protect your plants from freezing temperatures in the winter.
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Before using leaves go over them with a lawn mower, this helps to stop clumping. If the leaves are dry enough just crumple them up with your hand and spread them around. Leaves are very porous and they will break down fast enriching the soil in the process. Click here for more Free information on garden mulch.. This article, Advice To Make Your Own Garden Mulch is released under a creative commons attribution license.
