MULCHING YOUR GARDEN

Now that you have planted your garden, it is time to mulch it. Mulch
can be comprised or organic materials or synthetic materials. No
matter what type of mulch you choose to use for your garden, it
serves the same basic purpose: to prevent weeds from growing, to
help the ground maintain its moisture, and to maintain soil
temperature.
Mulch has several other benefits in addition to these main three. For
example, it prevents soil splashing, which occurs when bits of soil
splash on your plants when they are being watered or while it is
raining. Soil splashing can be particularly damaging to your plants if
your soil has become contaminated with soil-borne diseases. In
addition, soil splashing can lead to erosion of your garden’s soil.
Mulch also prevents the surface of your soil from crusting, or
becoming too hard. When your soil surfaces crusts, it makes it more
difficult for it to absorb water and move within your soil.
Mulch can also provide a protective barrier around trees and shrubs.
When placed around these plants, it prevents them from becoming
damaged by lawn equipment. In addition, it creates a tidy and
attractive appearance. For plants in general, mulch helps create a
stronger root system as well. This is because the plant will create
roots to anchor to the soil as well as additional roots for the mulch.
In general, organic mulches are the most beneficial for your garden.
This is because organic mulches such as chipped bark, shredded
trees, straw, compost, and shredded leaves help add nutrients to the
soil as they decompose. Each of these organic mulches is slightly
different and has its own unique benefits and characteristics. In
addition, some can be found at your home already, while others may
need to be purchased from the store.