Mulch is wonderful! Here is a list of the 5 reasons why you should mulch:
1. Holds water in the soil for the plant roots to soak up, reducing the need for water and helping in droughts
2. Inhibits weed growth- this is the biggie! Less work later.
3. Breaks down to improve the soil structure which allows oxygen in the soil and attracts worms and other insects that improve soil ecology, improving the health of your garden plants.
4. Acts as a fertilizer over time as it incorporates into the soil.
5. Looks great and helps your landscape or garden plants look better.
Mulching is an art. Here are the rules I follow that are focused on building your garden, soil and producing thriving landscape plants!
Use natural mulches, dyed mulches have chemicals that can damage your plants and your gardens natural eco system.
Only lay mulch around 1 inch thick. Laying mulch thicker than that can cause a ‘mulch mat’ to form. This can block water from getting through the mulch to the ground below and also causes fungal growth. Have you ever seen white stuff in your mulch or lots of mushrooms sprouting? I’ve seen this when year after year deep layers of mulch are applied.
Type of mulch– I recommend double shredded hardwood for most landscape beds. For shade gardens or beds with lots of perennials or acid loving plants I would recommend pine fines. Pine fines are great because they break down quickly to add to the soil and they help acidify it. Plants that like acidic soil are lentin rose, hollies, rhododendrons, azaleas, evergreens, ferns, hostas, blueberries, strawberries and to name a few.
Howard County Sources for Mulch
Clarks Ace Hardware has a great bagged double shredded hardwood mulch.
Maryland Ground Covers has great bulk mulch in many varieties. They also have bulk leafgro, a great composted soil amendment!