Mulching Beds PDF Print E-mail

A mulch is a layer of material laid on the surface of the soil.

USE OF MULCHES:

1.  To reduce evaporation.

2.  To alter soil temperature.

3.  To reduce the number of weeds.

MATERIALS USED FOR MULCHING:

1.  Organic materials that decompose readily e.g. straw, hay, composted leaves, animal manure and  seaweed.

2.  Organic materials that decompose more slowly e.g. pine bark chippings, wood chippings and spent mushroom compost.

3.  Mineral materials e.g. pebbles, gravel and sand.

ESSENTIAL POINTS TO REMEMBER TO ENSURE SUCCESS WHEN MULCHING:

1.  Mulch should be aesthetically pleasing.

2.  It should be free from weeds and seeds.

3.  It should be laid at a depth of 50mm.

4.  It should be applied to level soil.