What is the Benefit of Organic Mulch?

One of the benefits of owning a Radius garden tool set is all of the versatility that owning a gardening tool set affords when working in your garden. Every good garden needs a good layer of mulch, and organic mulch even more so. But what is the benefit of organic mulch?

What is Mulch?

A mulch is a layer of substance put on to the surface of soil. These substances can be a number of different materials, which are living plants or were once living plants that are positioned on the soil surface to prevent erosion, weed germination and reduce water evaporation.

Mulch comes in two categories, and you need mulch for several reasons. The two types of mulch are organic and inorganic mulch.

Tips for Applying Mulch

Mulch can be beneficial to any garden, if it is applied correctly. So here are some tips to take note of when taking advantage of the benefits of organic mulch.  

1. Do not place mulch directly against plant crowns or tree bases.
2. Mulching too deeply can cause the soil to remain continuously wet contributing to root and stem rot.
3. Yellowing of leaves often shows a nitrogen deficiency.
4. Gently include a source of nitrogen such as urea or a high nitrogen lawn fertilizer before applying mulch.

How Much Mulch Should You Put Down?

If this is your first time laying down organic mulch in your garden, you should consider starting by spreading out 4-6 inches deep with a naturally sourced organic mulch, using something like arborist mulch. (Arborist mulch is created when wood chips are ground up when older trees are removed. They include both green parts which are the leaves and brown woody parts. They have some large and some small pieces. The mix of green and brown organic mulch is a good combination, because the green material will break down quickly to add nutrients to the soil immediately, leaving behind the brown woody parts which will break down more slowly.)

Why Should You Mulch Deep?

The reason to begin with putting the mulch so deep is because it will settle and decompose where it compresses over the first one to two months, and even more so if it is being walked on or driven over repeatedly.

Take note, that when adding new mulch over older mulch in your garden, then look to add a layer of 1-2 inches of average depth is fine. 

If the old mulch is thin, like only 1-2 inches deep or less, then you should add more mulch from 2 to 4 inches so you have the weed barrier.

What are the Benefits of Organic Mulch?

Choosing the best mulch for your garden depends on personal preference and budget. Organic mulch gives nurturance to soil and plants mainly because it decomposes over time. They preserve water and protect from weed growth and assist in stopping soil erosion.

Organic mulch can also greatly improve the appearance of your landscape. One of the best benefits of any mulch is its ability to retain moisture in the soil and this keeps the soil cooler.

Organic mulches break down over time and contribute to soil health. This can be very helpful, especially if your soil fertility is poor. Mulch reduces winter injury and helps with weed control.  

Protection from erosion and protection from mechanical injury from weed eaters and lawn mowers. Organic mulches will slowly decompose and release nutrients into the soil while improving the soil structure.

Organic mulch also increases the production and also quality fruits. Mulching increases the soil nutrients, maintains the best soil temperature. Organic matters are beneficial for the growth of earthworms and soil microorganisms. It is also food for these beneficial microorganisms.  Organic mulches are available in farms. These are the crop residue of the cultivated crop plants leave compost and other organic materials.