by CE Wynn

Created on: September 11, 2010

The reasons for mulching vary, as do the materials that can be used. Mulching not only boosts your gardens health, but can provide that finished look that can't be achieved with out it. In many areas mulching can be done all year around, however there are some plants, areas and times of year where mulching should be kept to a minimum.

* Why Mulch?

Adding mulch is generally the final stage of preparing a garden bed or pot plant. Before determining the best material to use, an understanding of the benefits of mulch is required.

Suppressing unwanted weeds is the number one reason for using mulch. Firstly, weeding can take up a lot of valuable gardening time, therefore less weeding, means more time to do the fun things. Secondly, reducing weeds ensures that the water and fertilisers applied to the given area is for the benefits of the wanted plants, and not improving the health of weeds.

If reducing weeds is the main reason for mulching, then its important to ensure that the mulch is a minimum of 10cm thick otherwise there will be enough sun light for the weeds to successfully germinate though the mulch.

Including a layer of mulch not only reduces the evaluation of water from the surface of the soil thereby improving water retention, but also reduces fluctuation in soil temperature making it easier for plants to cope with sudden changes in weather conditions. The environment created by mulching, is perfect for beneficial lifeforms such as worms and beetles. These beneficial organisms will take materials from above ground, deep under ground, improving aeration and the general health of the soil.

Mulch does not have to be used to improve the soil, but simply for looks and the aesthetic of the garden. Many modern gardens today, call for a clean finish that only mulched garden beds can achieve.

* Types of Mulch

There are many types of mulching materials, and will be either organic or inorganic. Organic mulches are great as these mulches will add to the health of the soil, but will require regular replacment as the material break down.

Here are some of the most popular organic mulches:

  - Grass, sugar cane and other straw are all great for veggie beds where additional nitrogen is not required, but water retention and temperature control is important. Break down is relatively quick, and will need replacing every couple of months.

  - Lucerne hay and pea straw are similar to the above straws and hays, but have the added bonus of being full of nitrogen, providing

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