Cypress Mulch

Cypress Mulch
Cypress mulch is commonly available at garden centers and home
improvement stores. It is golden yellow and color and, because of its
already light color, does not really fade as much as other types of
mulch. It provides a good barrier to weeds and is a good choice for
creating a layer of mulch requiring little maintenance.

Manure
The manure you used to add texture and nutrients to your garden
may also serve as your mulch. Just remember to compost the
manure for at least six months before using it. Not only is this
important in order to prevent damaging your plants, it also makes it
less likely that weed seeds in the manure will grow.

Wood Chips
Wood chips can often be obtained for a nominal fee from utility
companies, arborists, and municipal yard waste facilities. It can also
be purchased from most home improvement stores and garden
centers. Wood chips, which are made from different sized pieces of
wood and bark, last for a very long time and are also great for laying
on paths and walkways. A two to three inch layer will provide your
garden with excellent weed control.
Exercise caution when purchasing wood chips, however, because
smaller wood chips may decompose quickly. As they decompose,
they take nitrogen from the soil, which you will need to replace with
nitrogen fertilizers or other additives. Wood chips may also attract
termites and other insects. It is also best to stay away from colored
wood chips. Colored wood chips may look attractive, but they do
not retain water like natural wood chips and do not break down andadd nutrients to your soil.

Leafmold_ Leaves_Pine Needles

Leafmold
Leafmold can either be acquired from a municipal composting facility
or you can choose to make your own. To make your own, you simply
need to gather leaves in the autumn and allow them to decompose
over the winter. Then, apply them to your garden in the spring.
Exercise caution when using leaf mold as a mulch, however, because it
has a tendency to create a crust that prevents water from getting to
your soil. Therefore, you may need to stir it occasionally with a rake
in order to prevent this from happening. It is, however, an excellent
amendment to your soil.

Leaves
Instead of using leafmold, you may choose to use freshly fallen leaves
as a mulch. To do this, you should first chop the leaves up with your
lawnmower because whole leaves tend to blow away. At the same
time, you do not want the leaves to be finely shredded because this
will prevent water from penetrating adequately.
After chopping the leaves, apply a two to three inch thick layer on
your garden in order to get maximum weed control. Beech and oak
leaves are excellent for helping make your soil more acidic.
Regardless of the leaves you use, they will improve your soil as they
decompose. Once they have decomposed, mix them into your soil
and add a new layer to add the best nutrients to your ground.
Pine Needles
Another readily available natural mulch is pine needles. Pine needles
can be an attractive mulch as they are fluffy and light colored. They
also allow water to penetrate quite easily. Pine needles are a
particularly good mulch for acid loving plants like rhododendrons,
azaleas, and blueberries. In addition, they provide a great cushioning
effect on garden paths and create a lovely pine scent when walked
on. Generally, a two inch layer of pine needles is sufficient.