MULCH

WHAT IS MULCH?

Mulch is any material that (a) is spread over the soil surface and (b) influences soil characteristics and sometimes plant growth. Organic mulches accumulate naturally in forests, in gardens where leaves and organic debris are not removed, and in lawns that are “mulch mowed.” 

The most common organic mulches used in the Pacific Northwest include bark products, yard waste compost, wood chips (arborist mulch), mint hay, and deciduous tree leaves.

Many mulches are combustible, a major drawback when used in home landscapes located in wildfire-prone areas, and care should be taken when choosing type and location of mulches.

BENEFITS OF MULCH IN THE GARDEN:

Conserves Water:

-Reduces irrigation needs by reducing surface evaporation and runoff. 

Reduces Weeds:

-A mulch layer excludes light. Without sunlight, young weeds cannot produce sugars needed for growth, and ultimately die. 

Improves Soil Quality:

-Mulch and compost alone will not provide all of the nutrients hungry plants need, but they do harbor many microorganisms that aid in nutrient exchange.

-Mulches also protect the soil from compaction by rain and foot traffic.

Keeps Garden Tidy:

-A well-mulched garden, with healthy green veggies poking up from under a blanket of new straw or leaf mulch is very satisfying!

WHAT CAN I DO IN MY GARDEN?

Spread a 2” to 4” layer of organic mulch on the soil surface around your plants; do not cover the plants or the crown of the plants. At the end of the gardening season, organic mulches can be worked into the soil to improve its texture for the next planting season.

After removing diseased leaves and weeds from the garden in the fall, add a layer of organic mulch. This will keep weeds low during the winter and spring while protecting plant roots from freezing temperatures.

In the spring, push mulch away from the plant to help the soil in the root zone warm up faster.

In the summer, before temperatures climb, push the mulch back to cover the root zone. This will minimize evaporation and moderate changes in soil temperature.