Save Time And Improve Your Soil With Organic Mulch

The best way gardeners can save themselves time (and the nuisance of constant weeding!), is by applying mulch.

This is true for every type of garden, from vegetable garden to flower bed. Mulched gardens are healthier, more weed free, and more drought-resistant then un-mulched gardens, so you'll spend less time watering, weeding, and fighting pest problems.

There are two basic kinds of mulch: organic and inorganic. Organic mulches include formerly living material such as chopped leaves, straw, grass clippings, compost, wood chips, shredded bark, sawdust, pine needles, and even paper.

Inorganic mulches include gravel, stones, black plastic, and geotextiles (landscape fabrics).

Both types discourage weeds, but organic mulches also improve the soil as they decompose.

Using Organic Mulches
There are two iron clad rules for using organic mulches to combat weeds. First, be sure to lay the mulch down on soil that is already weeded. Second, lay down a thick enough layer to discourage new weeds from coming up through it.

It can take a 8-10cm layer of mulch to completely discourage weeds, although a 4-7cm layer is usually enough in shady spots where weeds aren't as prevalent as they are in full sun.

Spreading organic mulch saves labor and nurtures plants by:

• Preventing most weed seeds from germinating; the few weeds that do pop through the mulch will be easy to pull.
• Keeping the soil cool and moist in summer, reducing the need to water.
• Decomposing slowly, releasing nutrients into the soil.
• Encouraging earthworm activity, improving soil tilth and nutrient content.
• Keeping dirt from splashing on flowers and vegetables.
• Preventing alternate freezing and thawing of the soil in winter, which can heave plants from the soil.
• This month we are running a special on our Organic Mulch at $15 cubic metre (+GST) delivered - 40 cubic metre loads at $25 per cubic metre (+GST).