Mulching

One of the simplest ways to revitalize a garden that looks tired is to add a fresh layer of mulch. Consider the contrast of white hellebore blooms against a rich, dark background. Think of the tidy appeal of uniform colour lines that enhance your landscaping theme. Add to this the fact that the aesthetic benefit is a bonus to the overall gains to plant health and mulching stands out as a horticultural best practice. Whereas in the spring mulch adds a nutritive boost to plants, in winter it helps insulate them, reduces erosion and has a stabilizing influence on fluctuating soil temperatures. December is a good time to think about mulching because trees have dropped their leaves, perennials have died back, and tender root zones are in need of some winter protection

What is Mulch?

From the Middle English world “molsh,” meaning soft, mulch refers to both organic and inorganic materials applied to the soil surface, rather than worked into it as an amendment. Locally, the most common mulch is composted materials such as recycled yard waste, leaf litter, and bark. At Mustang, our mulch of choice is a manure-rich wood mulch that is finely screened, aged and loaded with nutrients. In recent years, aesthetic preferences have moved away from chunky mulches toward finely textured mulches that evoke the soft, duff layer of the forest floor.

The Benefits of Mulching:

Studies show that mulch insulates and protects plants, reduces moisture loss and erosion, inhibits weeds by depriving them of light and adds nutrients to the soil. As mulches decompose they release gums and resins that help with drainage and combat compaction. Mulches are typically composted and heated to kill pathogens and weed seeds. They can pose a fire hazard and can rot tree trunks or fences if piled up against them so mulches must be managed appropriately. Always taper the mulch around trunks and toward fences or pathways to avoid rot and prevent spillover.

Mulch Pros:

· Moderates soil temperature and reduces water loss

· Prevents erosion, nutrient leaching and compaction

· Suppresses weeds and makes them easier to pull

· Improves the look of the garden

· Adds nutrients to the soil and encourages soil microbes

To Wrap Up:

Last winter was a good reminder that our west coast gardens can see sudden temperature fluctuation, strong winds, heavy rain, and even get blanketed in snow. Before any of that happens, tuck your plants in with a cover of mulch to protect them into the spring.