A mulch might be described in simple terms as a soil covering. Nature intended the soil to be covered with fallen leaves and decaying or living plants.
So, in its broadest interpretation, a mulch would include ground covers of low-growing plants under shrubs and trees.
But, it is generally thought of as some form of plant debris or other material the gardener applies to best serve his needs.
Mulching in Summer Garden
In the summer garden, mulch serves as a substitute for cultivation and weeding, except during long periods of drought, for watering. It maintains more even soil temperatures and a cooler root run.
Protected from the baking sun, the soil remains soft and porous and permits every drop of water to soak in—even a summer downpour fails to pack it.
Also, it protects low-growing flowers, vegetables, fruits, walls, and fences against mud splattering during heavy rains.
Mulching in Winter
In winter, mulches serve several purposes, especially in climates where snow, the perfect mulch, cannot be relied upon. Intelligently chosen and applied, a mulch can protect plants from severe cold and drying wind and sun.
In winter, as in summer, it helps prevent the alternate freezing and thawing likely to heave plants out of the soil.
Such damage is likely with heavy, tap-rooted perennials in heavy soils and newly planted stock that has not anchored securely.
Most winter-killing occurs in late February and March when the weather is most changeable, and days of bright sunshine are followed by hotter, cold, windy nights.
So wait rather than rush to apply protective mulches after the first killing frost. Allow several severe touches of frost to harden the plants.
Applying Winter Mulch
As a rule, it is not advisable to mulch hardy perennials until the soil is well frozen, usually in late November or early December in the northeastern states.
A light covering is generally sufficient for plants hardy in their locality. However, there are circumstances when it might be advisable to apply heavier mulches earlier.
Plants of doubtful hardiness may require heavier mulching after a hard frost but before the severe cold.
Broad-leaved evergreens, especially shallow-rooted ones such as rhododendrons and azaleas, are injured by deep freezes. They lose water from their leaves even in winter and cannot absorb it from the frozen ground.
It is good practice to water thoroughly in the fall if the weather is dry and then add several inches of winter mulch to the permanent covering.
Types of Mulch Material
It is most important that the middling material be light, dry, and free from diseases, insect pests, and weed seeds.
There are many to choose from, some better than others for certain plants and purposes. Availability at a reasonable cost is a major factor in selection.
Using Leaves as Natural Mulch
Leaves, nature’s mulch, are available to most gardeners. They are especially suited for close shrubbery beds where they are not conspicuous or apt to blow.
They may be held in place by branches or lightweight chicken wire in open places if necessary.
Avoid maple and other soft leaves which mat down and prevent air circulation. Oak leaves, light, stiff, and acidic by nature, are perfect for ericaceous plants.
Pine Needles
Pine needles make an excellent mulch for most plants. They are available loose wherever pines are growing and may be purchased baled from dealers.
Evergreen boughs are unsurpassed as they permit good air circulation and provide shade from the winter sun. Straw, if free from weed seeds, serves nicely.
Other Organic Mulch Options
Salt marsh hay does not pack or rot readily and may be stored and used for several years. Although light and airy, it will stay in place if worked under and around plants.
It is best used covering such low evergreen plants as pansies, foxgloves, and Madonna lilies and for seedling beds.
In the north, it is available in bales. Excelsior is easily obtained and good for low evergreens but is conspicuous and highly flammable.
Unique Mulch Options
Cranberry vines or clippings, available wherever cranberries are grown, are a near-perfect material, being both attractive and efficient.
Buckwheat hulls are another good choice where appearance is important but may blow badly in open places.
However, they may be stored and reused. Peat Moss is also good, but be sure to get a course grade. Put it on before freezing and work lightly into the soil around and under plants, never on them.
Tips For Using Peat Moss and Sawdust
Sawdust is a proven year-round mulch for blueberries, strawberries, asparagus, and bulb beds. Other fine materials that may be available are peanut shells, sugar cane bagasse, shredded corn stalks, corn cobs, and wood chips.
Stone chips and gravel may be employed to anchor plants in the rock garden. Evergreen plants appreciate a light cover over their foliage.
44659 by Gisela Grim