Autumn is a time for great changes; everyone can experience cooler nights and the transformation of outdoor scenery.
It is also the best time to get in your garden and start work. In addition to fertilising, pruning, and planting, mulching is an integral part of autumn gardening, too.
There are different types of mulch to choose from, the most common of which are the organic and inorganic mulches. A once-a-year mulching is usually enough to keep the soil and your plants healthy.
Why your garden will love mulching;
- It conserves soil moisture – The most familiar benefit gained from mulching is soil moisture. Adding some mulch keeps the soil from drying out and cracking. Therefore, it also reduces the need for frequent watering.
- It suppresses the growth of weeds – Weeds are considered one of the most crucial issues gardeners have to deal with. Through mulching, you can stop the growth of weeds and eventually kill them. Before you mulch, it would be helpful to pull out or cut overgrown weeds first. Then, apply the mulch deep enough to block sunlight from penetrating and to prevent the weeds from germinating.
- It adds nutrients to the soil – Various types of mulch, over time, will break down into the soil. This will add nutrients to the soil and improve its quality and structure.
- It improves the look of the garden – Mulching gives the garden a finished and clean look by filling in empty spaces. What is even better is that it is very easy to maintain and it doesn’t compete with your plants in the garden.
- It maintains the temperature of the soil – Just as it conserves the moisture in the soil, mulch also maintains the temperature around the soil. It keeps the soil cool during warm days and warm during the cold nights.
- It controls certain pests – The use of specific types of mulch, particularly the cedar bark, can help ward off pests because cedar barks release oils that are considered a natural insect repellent.
- It prevents soil erosion – Not only does mulch keep water in the soil, but it also prevents soil run-off and erosion. The mulch breaks the fall of water, which in turn lessens the impact of the water when it falls on the ground.
When spreading mulch on your garden, it is also important to learn how to do it, where to apply it, and what materials to use. All of these will determine the success of mulch application.
