The forest floor is covered in a rich dark mass of decomposing organic matter. The litter layer of the forest floor is composed of leaves, branches, animal droppings, and earthworm castings. This layer of mulch helps forests become the healthy ecosystems that they are. One of the best ways to bring the magic of the forest to your garden is by applying mulch.
Mulch is any type of organic matter that can be used in the garden. Mulch has many benefits for your soil, plants and water bill.
Mulch comes in many different types. Shredded redwood and cedar bark are the most common types available. Recycled and shredded rubber has become popular over the past few years despite it smelling like tires and offers no organic matter for the soil. A local source of mulch can come from a local arborist. The arborist can grind all of the branches that have been pruned from your trees into wood chips. Our favorite mulch to use is Fertile Mulch from Full Circle Compost. Fertile Mulch is the wood chip material screened out of their compost products leaving the chips covered in the compost in the process.
Mulch can help condition you soil and improve its qualities. As the mulch decomposes, it adds organic matter to the soil. Organic matter in the soil will improve moisture and nutrient retention. Mulch helps retain moisture by shading and insulating the soil. Soil compaction can also be avoided by placing the mulch over the soil and distributing the weight of foot traffic over a larger area. Compacted soil inhibits root growth and water holding capacity.
When you apply mulch to your planters, spread it between one and four inches. Less than one inch and you do not gain much water retention ability and above four inches the gas exchange between the soil and the air is disrupted. The mulch should also be kept from the trunks of trees and the crowns of your shrubs by approximately four inches.
Your plants will love the mulch and you will love the soft natural look it provides.
