Disadvantages of mulching
Despite what you may think from reading the preceding paragraphs, mulching is not the answer to every gardener's prayer. For one thing, if the soil is not in very good shape, a mulch may do more harm
than good by keeping it hidden from view. For another, organic mulches are high in carbon, and the microorganisms breaking them down will use up some of the soil's nitrogen to restore the balance. There is also a danger that in damp areas certain kinds of mulches will provide the perfect home for slugs and similar pests. Inorganic mulches, like black plastic, have their disadvantages, too, and they are discussed below.
Mulches are not a cure-all. Nothing is. But used properly, mulches can be of great benefit to both large and small gardens.
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ORGANIC MULCHING MATERIALS 1 | |||
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Organic Mulches Bagasse-baled crushed sugar cane |
Rating By-product of sugar manufacturing; great water-holding capacity. | ||
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Buckwheat hulls |
Fair |
Apply 2" deep. |
Lightweight, high in potash, lasts several years. |
|
Chunk bark |
Fair |
Small bark chunks used infrequently in vegetable gardens |
Makes a durable mulch that stays in place well; especially effective in combination with polyethylene film. |
|
Cocoa bean shells |
Fair |
Spread 2" deep. |
Has a cocoa color. |
|
Coffee grounds |
Poor-fair |
Apply lightly. |
Slightly acid. |
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Compost |
Excellent |
Take partially decomposed grass clipings and plant tops from your compost bin. |
Save the more decomposed compost to place directly in the soil. |
|
Corncobs (ground) |
Good |
Apply 3° thick. |
Inexpensive, will decay and add nutrients, must add a nitrogen fertilizer |
|
Cornstalks (chopped) |
Good |
Apply 2* deep. |
Add nitrogen fertilizer. |
|
Lawn clippings |
Good |
Mow grass before the seed ripens to prevent the introduction of weeds and grass seed; apply in a thin, 1-2" layer, cultivate into top of soil. |
Green clippings build up heat if applied too thickly. |
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Leaves |
Good |
Run through a chipper before applying 2-3* deep |
Decomposes slowly, ties up nitrogen. |
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Manure |
Excellent |
Apply partially decomposed. |
Fresh manure can burn plants; steer manure can contain salts and weed seeds |
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Mushroom compost |
Good |
Often available from commercial mushroom growers | |
|
Pecan shells Peanut shells Rice hulls |
Good |
As purchased, apply 1 -2" deep. |
Inexpensive, becoming more available, high in nitrogen |
|
Peat moss |
Good |
Use the larger sized particles; wet before spreading. |
Dry peat moss tends to blow away allowing water to run off surface. |
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Pine needles |
Fair to good |
Can be used on vegetable gardens. |
Good for acid-loving plants, does not affect the soil pH. |
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Sawdust |
Good |
Add nitrogen to the soil before applying; new sawdust is high in carbon, low in nitrogen, will draw nitrogen from the soil. |
Covers the soi! well; some bagged sawdust manufactuers add nitrogen |
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Straw, hay, cured grasses |
Good |
Add nitrogen 2-3" deep. |
Long lasting, breaks down slowly, high carbon/nitrogen ratio; used for winter protection. |
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Wood chips, shavings |
Good |
Add nitrogen to keep plants from turning yellow. |
Chips decompose slowly, can be obtained from local mills. |
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