Mulching is when we add organic material to the garden, primarily to aid moisture retention, but also to keep roots cool and prevent weeds.
The first, and probably the most important reason to mulch is to save water and use water effectively. Mulch stops the top of the soil drying out, keeps the soil moist, and can reduce the amount of watering required. It also means you can leave your garden for a weekend without the neighbors needing to come over and water!!
Mulching also prevents weeds and because weeds are so fast growing they also use a lot of the moisture in the soil, thus starving your plants of the all-important H2O. Mulching also keeps the soil temperature constant, During frosts, the roots are not damaged when thick mulch is applied, and of course the temperature is importantly lowered during the summer heat. Organic mulch is also adding organic matter to the soil as it gradually breaks down.
So what types of Mulch are there?
As these mulch's gradually break down they are adding valuable nutrients to the soil.
Don't feel limited to using the same type of mulch through your garden. I've seen some fantastic contrast used when one area has fine off white river pebbles, and then bordered with jarrah timber or flexible steel through to another garden area with brown cottage pine bark. Very effective.
Mulching is a terrific time saver in the garden, and one of the cheapest ways to dress up your garden.
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