What is mulch?
Mulch refers to any material a gardener might use to cover the surface of the soil.
There are many mulch options, all of which protect plants from severe temperatures, help retain water, and enhance the appearance of the landscape. Some can go further, providing food for plants and the soil they grow in as they break down, changing the soil structure, and influencing soil chemistry to improve plant performance.
While plastic fabrics or films and other artificial mulches have some benefits and specific applications, in most cases organic mulches are best for plant and soil health.
Why apply mulch?
A mulch layer can help:
- Regulate moisture in the soil.
- Improve effectiveness of fertilizers (particularly organic ones).
- Prevent soil erosion and compaction.
- Reduce weed problems.
- Protect plant roots from damage due to heat, cold, or physical injury.
How and when to apply mulch?
For established plantings, mulching is beneficial at any time, but spring and fall provide the most benefits. Spring and fall mulching will reduce the weeds that sprout heavily during these seasons, and having the mulch in place before temperature extremes ensures protection when weather changes rapidly or unexpectedly. Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around plants. Take care not to bury trunks or stems of trees and shrubs, and be cautious with the crowns and stems of softer plants too.
Provide a protective layer of mulch around new plantings. Mulch sturdy or larger plants 2-3 inches deep over the entire planting area; for smaller plants 1-2 inches is better.
In flower and vegetable gardens, mulch 1-2 inches around new plantings. Apply additional mulch to root crops like carrots and potatoes to keep them moist and to reduce ‘greening’ from sun exposure to the tops of the roots. If not using a cover crop, mulch the entire area 2-3 inches, or even deeper if using fluffy material such as fall leaves.
Cover open unplanted areas and the spaces between larger plants with 2-3 inches of mulch to hold in moisture, reduce erosion and compaction, and prevent weeds. Do not use flammable mulches such as bark within 5 feet of structures due to fire risk – compost is safer, but rock or gravel is the safest for planting beds up against buildings
Even plants in containers appreciate mulch. An inch or two of mulch in the tops of pots planted with trees, shrubs, or perennials can help reduce drying out or cold damage.
What are the mulch options at Shonnard’s?
Hemlock Bark is a great mulch to spread around trees and shrubs, or in open areas between plants. It is more resistant to decomposition compared to other organic mulches, therefore is a long lasting option with better weed suppression.
Hazelnut Shells have the benefit of deterring cats and slugs since the shells are sharp to dig in, or cross over. This is another long lasting option as the shells break down even slower than bark. Hazelnut shells can also be used to define pathways through the garden.
The G&B Organics Soil Building Conditioner and E.B. Stone Organics Top Coat are great for all-purpose mulching in the landscape or flower garden. These compost mixes improve soil texture, help hold in moisture, and also make good seed coverings. Both are also great for using as seed cover for newly planted or renovated lawns.
G&B Organics Purely Compost and Oregon-made Seacoast Compost are excellent where you might want a finer textured and less woody mulch.
G&B Organics Harvest Supreme is blended with 15% composted chicken manure. The extra nutrients will help plants grow lush! Great for hungry plantings like vegetable gardens and annual flower beds.
Blueberries, rhododendrons, dogwoods, blue-flowered hydrangeas, and evergreen plants prefer acidic soil environments. G&B Organics Acid Planting Mix is made especially for acid-loving plants.