The Living Ecosystem of the Soil

What is MULCH? 

 A protective layer on the ground to reduce evaporation, conserve moisture, maintain consistent soil temperature, prevent soil erosion, control weeds, amend soil, and/or protect plants/fruit/vegetables keeping it clean and off the soil.

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Generally speaking, a  2" or  3" layer of organic mulch is best.
Keep the mulch away from the stem to prevent rotting.
Be sure to choose the right type of mulch for each individual situation. 
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13 Cheap Mulch Ideas to Keep Your Garden Healthy

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Choosing the Best Mulch for your Garden

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Soils are Living

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What is an "Ecosystem" ? 

 "a biological community of interacting organisms and their physical environment."

A Complex Interconnected Network.

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Conserve Moisture 

Mulch minimizes evaporation and helps to conserve moisture. It allows an even moisture level for the plants. Your plants will require less watering - the water will last longer and provide a stable, moist environment for your plants, even during drought conditions. 

Control Weeds

Mulch really is a Magical Miracle of Nature! It helps to reduce weeds in your garden and the weeds that do manage to sprout are much easier to pull! In this day and age we are aware that poisons are not the answer to weed control as they poison the soil, Bees, Birds and indeed the entire environment. MULCH is Mother Nature's answer!!  In Nature we rarely find bare soil - and when we do - we call it barren rock or desert. Mulch makes the difference!

Maintain Temperature  

Mulch helps to keep the ground cool or warm depending on the type of mulch and season. Mulch protects the roots from the heat of the intense mid-summer sun causing much less stress on your plants. It is less stress on the Gardener as well, since you won't need  to water as often!  :) 

Improve Soil

A good organic Mulch will conserve moisture, protect the delicate balance of the soil microbes and regulate temperature. Many of the organic mulches will break down over time and add nutrients to the soil.  Mulch helps prevent soil erosion. The use of Mulch creates a perfect environment for the worms that are needed in your soil.

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Why Mulch?

Conserve Moisture

Reduce Weeds

Improve Soil - Prevent Erosion

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MORE MULCH BASICS

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