Seasonal Mulching Know How
It has been said, for a long time now, that putting a few layers of mulch down on your lawn or garden helps keep the grass looking vibrant and lush and helps the plants and vegetables grow proud and strong (and juicy). But what mulch should you use?
Well no matter what mulch you use, be it organic or inorganic, on your garden soil and around your plants, trees, or hedges it will be highly beneficial.
However, some mulch is better than others.
Mulch Types
When it comes to your lawn nothing makes a better mulch than the grass that came from it!
Your lawn will be better than ever if you use the very same grass clippings taken from that lawn because you are putting back into the soil what was taken from it - plus a bit more as plants use photosynthesis to turn sunlight into simple sugars and nutrients.
However instead of raking up grass from your last now day and spreading it out evenly over your lawn clippings from using a mulching mower are much more effective for mulch.
All this information may have you feeling somewhat more confident in your gardening skills, feeling like a pro if you may... doesn’t it?
Well, sorry to burst your bubble by letting you know that that is only half of the story!
The information you require, the other half of the story, for mulching to be beneficial to your garden is supplied in this post.
What am I talking about?
Well, do you know which type of mulch is more effective for summer?
No?
How about winter?
Still a no?
Great, then this article will equip you with such facts and make you teh envy of the neighborhood.
Here's what you need to know:
Spring Mulching
Mulching in spring can be done either at the beginning or end of the season to prevent the growth of weed and conserve moisture respectively.
Spring mulches are best for lasting plants such as trees, hedges, and shrubs.
For the kitchen or flower gardens, it is advisable to wait until late spring or beginning of summer lest the cool temperatures inhibit growth.
Summer Mulching
During summer, you can apply mulch as early as the beginning of spring and throughout the season but ensure that by the first days/weeks of summer you have already done so.
Mulching in the summer is mainly for two reasons, retaining soil moisture and maintaining soil temperature.
It however also helps to control weed, pests and enhance soil fertility.
Mulches you can use include any organic mulch like animal manure, kitchen scraps, compost, bark, the grass clippings from your mulching mower etc., and plastic mulch.
Fall/Autumn Mulching
Mulching in the summer is still important as it:
Extends soil warmth which in turn lengthens both the flowering and harvesting seasons.
Retains moisture
Hinders the germination of weeds
Thick fall mulch will also prevent permanent plantings and perennials from excessive freezing
Any available organic mulch is suitable.
Seasonal Mulching Know How
With the freezing temperatures of winter, it is wise to apply mulch as it prevents frequent freezing and thawing that is temperature fluctuations that, that pull out shallow rooted roots and cause damages to their crowns.
It is best to apply it between mid and end November when the ground is hard and frozen.
The best mulch will sustain air spaces to allow plants to breathe.
Such mulches include Shredded leaves, pine needles, compost et cetera.
Come spring, you can now remove the mulch periodically to help the land thaw slowly preventing drastic temperature changes.
You now know when that mulching mower will come in handy so let your lawn breathe. Moreover, you are now fully informed and allowed to feel like a professional.