Mulching 101

Why should I mulch?

Mulching around plants and gardens improves plant health by:

Helping maintain soil moisture - evaporation is reduced, and the need for watering can be minimised.
Helping control weeds - a 5 to 10 centimetre layer of mulch will reduce the germination and growth of weeds.
Serving as nature's insulating blanket - mulch keeps soils warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.
Improving soil - many types of mulch can improve soil aeration, structure (aggregation of soil particles), and drainage over time.

Mulching can also give planting beds a uniform, well-cared for look.

How does mulching work?

Plants growing in the bush have their roots anchored in a rich, well-aerated soil full of essential nutrients. The soil is blanketed by leaves and organic materials that replenish nutrients and provide a good environment for root growth and mineral uptake.

Home gardens usually have a much harsher environment with poor soils, little organic matter, and big changes in temperature and moisture levels. By applying a 5-10 centimetre layer of organic mulch, you are creating a more natural environment and plant health will improve.

So how do I mulch?

Lay your lawn or hedge clippings as a layer over bare soil around your plants. Depending on what you use you should have a layer from a couple of centimetres thick (for lawn clippings) to 10 centimetres for hedge clippings.

Here are some tips for successful mulching:

partly dried lawn clippings are better
you should avoid lawn clippings that are contaminated with pesticides
use your lawnmower to chop up twigs and hedge clippings.

NEXT: Composting tips