Mulching Tips for Your Garden

These mulching tips from gardening Don Engebretson will help you improve your garden.

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Mulch helps retain water around plants and adds a layer of organic material. Mulching every year improves the soil in a garden.

Put a one to two-inch layer of mulch on vegetable and flower gardens after plants have emerged in the spring.

Mulch slows evaporation of moisture from the soil, which means less watering, and keeps roots cooler and less stressed. It also acts as a weed barrier to block out weeds.

Mulch helps maintain soil structure by keeping topsoil from cracking in the heat. It breaks down over the season and adds organic matter to soil during the winter.

Mulches range from inexpensive to free, and there is a wide variety of materials that can be used as mulch.

Coco-bean husks are available by the bag. Water after applying, and they form a porous crust and make great mulch. They're also easiest to use in tight areas.

Black plastic works for vegetable gardens and warms the soil quickly as well as acting as a weed barrier.

Grass clippings are free, and should be bagged during the first few times the lawn is mowed in the spring. Do not use the clippings on a garden if weed killers have been applied to the lawn in the past.

Mulch made from shredded leaves is also free, and can be made using a leaf chipper or lawn mower. However, leaves are not good for use in windy areas.

Compost is also free and is the best mulch for adding organic matter to soil over time.

Avoid mulching with hay, especially rye grass straw. It has too many seeds that will eventually sprout and could create a serious weed problem in the garden.

Resources

Guests
- Don Engebretson
  University of Minnesota Master Gardener / Garden Writer and Expert
  E-mail: don@renegadegardener.com
  Website: www.renegadegardener.com