Mulch

Organic mulches are landscape workhorses– when used to cover bare ground, they act as a protective blanket that improves soil quality, conserves water, and supports habitat. Decomposing mulch adds valuable nutrients and organic matter to soil, which feeds beneficial soil microorganisms and earthworms. This in turn creates a soil structure that plants love– breaking up clay soils to improve drainage, and enhancing sandy soils to retain water. A 2-3 inch layer of mulch can reduce surface evaporation by up to 70%, drastically decreasing the need for supplemental water. Mulches also regulate soil temperature, protecting it from extreme heat in the summer and insulating it from frigid temperatures in the winter. This helps plants weather temperature fluctuations all year round. During winter, mulch provides essential habitat for beneficial insects, offering them shelter from the cold.

Here are organic mulches that work well in the landscape:

• Shredded bark – long-lasting and excellent weed suppression
• Straw – inexpensive and ideal for vegetable gardens; breaks down quickly and needs to be reapplied annually
• Leaf litter/mold – free resource that mimics forest floor conditions; can blow away in windy conditions
• Undyed, untreated wood chips – economical and accessible choice that offers good aesthetic value and longevity