Mulch is written about mulch. So let’s talk about mulch options.
Is mulch necessary?
Growing flowers, vegetables, and other edible plants can be tricky. Some need extra-special attention. Others just need you to plant the seed and step back.
And that’s not all. Ornamentals need some special care, as do some bushes and shrubs. Putting mulch around the base of a tree is another way to add care to the trees.
Mulch can also insulate the soil and roots of your plants in the event of cold weather. Cold weather doesn’t last long in Florida (unless you live in Florida, then it lasts way too long), but when it does hit, the mulch helps keep the soil and roots at an even temperature.
Mulch is something that most landscape professionals consider a necessity. It keeps the soil healthy by helping it to absorb and maintain moisture. It is an effective weed blocker. It can also prevent soil erosion and keep water from running off the beds and your property.
How much mulch?
Most of the time, though, you can count on the mulch covering your raised bedding and other flower beds to be about 2-3 inches deep. As a result, edible plants might get a little less, and ornamental plants might get a little more.
Does it need to be changed?
Wow, another good question; you’re really on IT today! The short answer is “yes!”
The not-so-short answer is that while mulch needs to be changed, the interval differs according to weather conditions in your area, the type of bedding you’re mulching, and whether you’re bored with your current mulch.
If your area is prone to seasonal snow, you would add to your mulch on your bedding to help insulate the soil and plants from the heavy snow. You would also probably change it at least once a year (probably in the spring) since it can deteriorate under harsh circumstances.
Florida’s rainy season makes an impact on mulch, as well. Summer brings summer showers almost every day. The humidity is higher. So, again, the rain gives the mulch a pounding, and if it’s deteriorating (if you pick up a handful and it falls apart or crumbles, it’s deteriorating), it will need to be replaced.
And let us not forget hurricane season, from June to November! Mulch is not a weighty product, and some are very lightweight. Hurricane winds probably won’t even notice that it’s sucked up all the mulch from this raised bed but left the bed two feet away alone. You will probably want to add to the mulch left until your fall cleanup if this happens. Then, you might want to change all your mulch if it has deteriorated.
Are there different kinds of mulch?
Yes, indeed! There are two significant groups of mulches: Organic mulches and inorganic mulches.
Organic mulches include plant byproducts, among other things. The mulches that look like tree bark are … well… tree bark. They are leftovers from the lumber and paper industries, which use trees for their product. The bark and chips are usually aged, dried, and sometimes dyed before they are weighed and bagged to be sold. Organic mulches will decompose, some faster than others. Therefore, your best bet is to completely replace organic tree bark mulches at least once every two years or when they start decomposing.
Other organic mulches: straw, grass clippings, shredded leaves, newspaper, or cardboard. These mulches are not applied in thick layers, which could cause matting. If you’re using grass or straw, examine it to ensure you don’t have any seed stalks. If you’re using newspaper, don’t use color printed sheets, the colored ink could be toxic for gardens.
An attractive organic mulch, which is quite a bit more expensive than traditional mulches, is mulches made from the shells and husks of cocoa beans. You won’t need more than an inch of cocoa mulch, and you’ll have to be careful not to add too much water, as this will eventually dissolve the hulls. Since they are pricier than the other organic mulches listed here, you don’t want to have to replace or refill them more than once a year. And, make a note, if you have pets or your plant beds attract wildlife, don’t use cocoa mulch. Chocolate can be fatal to animals, after all.
Inorganic mulches include lava rock, crushed gravel or gravel dust, and marble chips. These don’t break down. They are more popular for walks and pathways but not for use around trees, shrubs, and other plants. They won’t retain moisture and can cause stress on plants in times of high heat.
Landscape plastic can make an excellent short-term weed killer, but it’s not recommended for long-term use. If you’re using it to keep new plants or seeds warm, you’ll have to install a watering system underneath the plastic or water by hand.
Landscape fabric is a better choice if you plan to leave it in place for an extended time. It allows that precious air and water to pass through but suppresses weeds. It’s best used with some organic mulch on top to help hold it down.
Rubber mulch is made from recycled and pulverized tires. It’s relatively inexpensive and durable, perfect for high-traffic areas, like playgrounds and schools. However, it’s not suitable for home landscaping areas since it doesn’t decompose, and the toxins might leach into the soil around your plants.
How?
The best way to get your mulching on is to give your landscape professionals at Custom Acres a call. They can select the best mulch for a first-time project or help you select mulches for your different types of bedding. In addition, they have a formula that includes weather forecasts, how much mulch will cover how much land, and how deep to pile it, so you won’t have a massive pile of mulch bags to store.