Spring is here and if you’re looking to start your gardening experience this season, consider taking a natural approach with mulching. Mulch is a layer of material that you lay on the soil surface in a flower bed, container, or garden. It could be made up of organic materials such as plant debris, hardwood chips, or compost. It can also be made from inorganic materials such as pebbles, rubber, or plastic chips.
Mulch should be applied on the soil surface after you have transplanted and watered your plants. Evenly apply a 7 to 10 cm (2 to 3 inches) layer. Try not to mound the mulch around your plant’s stems and stalks as the mound can become a host for pests to nest and cause rot, mold, and roots to grow into the mulch instead of soil. Keeping the stem nearly exposed can allow better airflow to plant roots.
We have a range of organic mulch products here at Landscape Plus Inc. to help you develop your green thumb this spring. Here are 5 benefits of mulching for your home garden.
1. It improves your garden’s soil
When done correctly, mulching feeds living organisms in the soil with nutrients and the waste from these organisms creates a healthier soil structure for your plants. This can be helpful if your soil fertility is poor. There are different varieties of mulch, and their different ingredients can help strengthen plants and encourage good health and vibrancy.
2. It helps retain soil moisture
Ensuring a sufficient level of moisture is important in growing healthy plants. One of the benefits of mulch is its ability to absorb and retain moisture in the soil. It reduces the amount of water that evaporates from your soil which keeps it cool and reduces the need to constantly water your plants, especially during the summer. Having adequate moisture in the soil means that your plants are less likely to become stressed and will be better able to resist insects and diseases.
3. It can suppress weeds
Mulch can reduce weeds in your garden by suppressing them and making them easier for you to pull. Covering the soil with a layer of mulch can inhibit the growth of small-seeded weed species on your soil, which can reduce competition and improve the health of your nursery. Don’t forget! The best time to mulch new plantings is in early spring before weeds start to germinate.
4. It moderates soil temperature
One of the reasons why mulching is important is that it moderates soil temperatures by keeping it warmer on cold nights and cooler on hot days. Extreme temperatures can cause growing plants to go under stress from not being able to uptake water and nutrients.
When the winter months come, mulch can help keep the soil temperatures from constant thawing and freezing, which can push plants out of the ground. Various types of mulch have different effects on soil temperature. We’ll help you find the right kind, fit for your garden.
5. It minimizes erosion
You can protect your bare soil from erosion and compaction with a layer of mulch. It can break rainfall and alleviate the weight of feet, preventing it from loosening up your soil.
At Landscape Plus Inc., we’re a team of creative landscape and horticulture professionals. We believe that our customers are our number one priority and provide superior quality workmanship. Mulch has many benefits in your gardens or flower beds. We offer a range of mulch products and can help you find the right one for you, delivered straight to your home! Place an order online or contact us today at 519-576-1414 or info@enjoyoutdoorliving.ca for a consultation.
