Mulch

Welcome to July in your growing garden! Long hot days see huge growth in your plants, and giving them sufficient water is a challenge. A great way to save time, energy and water is by mulching. A walk in the woods will show you how nature keeps the soil moist. Layers of organic matter such as leaves, branches and wood are all in different stages of decomposition. These layers keep moisture from evaporating as well as many other benefits. This is nature’s own mulch.

Mulch is essentially any material that covers the soil. There are many different kinds of mulch, and they each have their own benefits and uses.

Top 10 Benefits of Mulch
1. Mulch prevents weed seeds from germinating by blocking out the sun. Perennial deep-rooted weeds may still come through the mulch but they are easier to pull out.
2. Mulch prevents water from evaporating, keeps soil moist and decreases the need to water.
3. Soil beneath mulch stays at a more constant temperature. The roots of plants stay cool even if very hot conditions. Conversely, in the winter, the roots are insulated and stay warmer. The roots sustain less damage because there are less freeze/thaw cycles.
4. Cooler temperatures in the soil layers encourage worms to come closer to the surface, thereby aerating the soil and fertilizing with their castings.
5. Nutrients in the soil are not washed away as they otherwise would in bare soil conditions.
6. Decomposing mulch adds organic matter to the soil slowly, adding nutrients and improving the structure. Mulching is a kind of “composting in place”.
7. Fruits and flowers are protected from soil splashing when it rains. Vegetables that rest on the soil surface (pumpkins, cucumbers) are protected from rotting.
8. A nicely mulched path clearly shows where and where-not people can walk in the garden.
9. Garden beds filled with varied plantings can be similarly mulched making the garden look unified and professional.
10. Less weeding and less watering means less work for you!

Kinds of mulch
~ Straw is the best choice for vegetable beds. It can be molded around plants or laid out thickly. Do not use hay though, as it has many seeds.
~ Autumn leaves also make great mulch. It helps with their decomposition if you run over them with a lawnmower.
~ Evergreen branches are a good winter cover because they hold snow which increases insulation.
~ Pine needles increases soil’s acidity which makes blueberries and raspberries taste sweeter.
~ Bark and wood chips work well in perennial beds and around great shrubs and trees. They are a bit too woody for vegetable beds though.
~ Although stones don’t have the benefit of adding organic matter to the soil, they increase the warmth around heat loving plants like melons and tomatoes, keep moisture in the soil and decrease weed germination.
You’ll find gardeners using everything from cocoa shells to black plastic!

How to apply mulch
First dig out any existing weeds. Begin placing mulch gently around plants, eventually filling the spaces in between. Your mulch should be about two inches thick to be really effective.

Potential problems
In the spring, soil is quite cool and needs the sun to dry and warm it before you plant or transplant into it. In the early spring remove the over-winter mulch from your vegetable garden. By the time you are ready to plant; your soil will be ready.
Another problem with mulch in the Elk Valley can be the presence of slugs. Straw and wood chips can provide slugs with spring breeding grounds and the perfect shelter on hot dry days. Removing your mulch in the spring will discourage egg laying. Reapply the mulch when your plants are larger and stronger and can tolerate a few nibbles.

By mulching your garden you will keep the soil moist and cool. You won’t have to water or weed as much, and your soil will gradually become richer. You’ll have more time to harvest, take pictures and enjoy your beautiful garden.