5 things no one can tell you about mulch

Tell you about mulch

Well, let's get this ridiculous shit out of my head: gardeners are cultivating it well! Oh, let's go now. After all, that phrase speaks the truth.

Mulch is one of the many gardening needs, and when used properly, this versatile material will help the soil, protect the roots from heat and cold, and reduce your workload by suppressing weeds and preventing soil compaction. . You already know all this. So, here are some lesser-known mulch facts you need to know before you make a wise decision to use this multitasking product. As always.

Read on to learn more about mulch:

1. Mulch does not have to be bark.

Many materials such as gravel, grass clippings, straw, leaves, and compost can be used as mulch. Of course, some mulch choices (such as compost) stimulate microbial activity in the soil and add more nutrients when it breaks down, while others (like gravel) are longer lasting and do not need to be replenished frequently. Basically, your mulch selection should match your budget, garden style, and garden needs.

2. Mulch is flammable.

Many of us have a devastating wildfire in our minds; So it is wise to think carefully about your mulch choices, especially around your home and other buildings or wood structures. Of course, most mulch is made from organic materials, so it is definitely flammable, but some products are higher than others. Generally, fine or stringy mulch will ignite quickly. Pine needles such as shredded cedar bark and shredded rubber top the list. The most fire-resistant choices are minerals such as decomposed granite, rocks, and gravel. Pro Tip: Use fire-retardant mineral mulch materials within 5-foot structures.

3. Mulch can be toxic.

I have no doubt I like chocolate (maybe you can too), so I was curious when I heard there was something like cocoa bean mulch — until I found out that this mulch made from cocoa shells is especially toxic to dogs. The lesson is to avoid using this mulch if you have interesting pets.

Another questionable mulch is rubber mulch, which is apparently not organic, so it does not decompose or add anything beneficial to the garden. In addition, it releases chemicals that are harmful to plants.

Free mulch can be obtained from wood or utility companies (yes!), But make sure they do not give you remnants of the black walnut tree (flower!) Because the toxin Juglon in the tree can damage and kill the plants.

Finally, dyed mulch — and even those trendy black materials — can be made from cheap dyes and recycled wood such as old layers, boards, and crates, or crates with poor protection such as chromate copper arsenate (CCA). CCA-treated wood is prone to earthworms, beneficial insects, good soil bacteria, and the people and animals that dig it up.

4. Mulch should be renewed.

In the spring and fall, walk around your garden and see if your mulch needs a new layer. Do you see empty spots and transparent watering? Or has the flow taken over your mulch? If so, consider giving your home a load (better than buying it in waste plastic bags).

5. Mulch can be installed incorrectly.

To avoid attracting unwanted bacteria, diseases, pests, and annoying weeds, be sure to follow some basic rules when you use mulch. The first thing to remember: Mulch should be applied at a depth of approximately two to four inches to be effective. Second, before using the mulch, weed your area as best as possible (but, please, without a bad roundup). A thick layer of mulch will suffocate most of the weeds, but the sturdy ones will find their way to freedom even if they are covered. Some gardeners use permeable weeds before applying mulch, and it will definitely work on large, uncultivated areas. Lastly, make sure you do not bury any trunks or stems with mulch, as this will cause water stagnation.