MULCH

by Alison Urquhart

 

I have recently heard someone saying that "Some people love mulch while others think it is “evil". Mulch is not evil; you just need to know how to use it in the right manor.

 

Let me explain what 'mulch' is: it is anything that suppresses weeds, and can also warm the soil or keep the moisture from evaporating quickly. It could be an extra layer of compost, leaves, hay or straw. It could also come from other materials such as nut shells or seaweed.

 

As well, black or green sheeting (considered another form of 'mulch') can be used to speed up the ripening process, particularly useful for tomatoes and strawberries.

 

When applying it, consider what you have planted; an inch (2 cm) of mulch is usually plenty - too much could suffocate the plant. I do not recommend wood chips, as they are designed for walkways and can actually 'steal' oxygen from the soil to help break it down.

 

If you are considering Manure it must be aged. Fresh manure could burn the plants, as it is very acidic. Also, nitrogen levels are too high, which leads to a lot of leafy growth, and little fruit or vegetable production. Fresh manure also holds many unhealthy bacteria. It is wise to use this manure in layers of your compost pile. It breaks down readily, and that way, when used later, it will act as a slow release fertilizer.

 

Mulch can help cut down on a lot of unnecessary work: tilling, weeding, and extra watering during dry periods. At the end of the season it is very useful: after your harvest it will protect the ground and any remaining vegetables left through the winter months.

 

Picture - Garlic nestled in the straw mulch - April 7, 2008