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Mulches

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In this summary of mulching techniques only the basics are outlined. Mulching serves several very useful purposes, usually more than one but that depends upon the purpose and the choice of materials used, but it can become a powerful tool in the hands of an organic gardener.

Protection:

   a. conserves moisture - checks evaporation.  b. protects roots. c. suppresses weeds.

Top Dressing:

    a. increases soil fertility.

    b. feeds the plants

        i. compost         ii. manure         iii. leaf mould        iv. well rotted straw

        v. coconut fibre, of dubious organic merit because the transport distances are so large but it is claimed that compressed and travelling on boats which would otherwise be travelling part-loaded it can be justified. It is one of those difficult decisions.

General

    a. Soil should be loose, warm and damp before mulch is added, (beware danger of damping off if soil is too wet.)

    b. If mulch applied too early in Spring soil will be slow to warm.

    c. Slugs may thrive - encourage birds, toads, hedgehogs.

    d. Squash, courgettes can be kept clean by mulches.

Materials

    a. lawn mowings - three inches thick,

    b. straw, is not universally useful, commonest use is probably with strawberries but in sufficient thickness has been successfully used with potatoes on no-dig plots.

    c. sawdust, beware of sources, some from producers using synthetic glues and similar materials will not be suitable. There are also concerns of introducing diseases and it will also cause nitrogen depletion at the soil surface - an advantage in weed suppression of course.

    d. sedge peat,

    e. newspapers, these used to be of dubious value due to the inks used but recent changes in inks have made these safer, but don't use glossy magazine or similar material.

    f. old sacks,

    g. rags,

    h. carpet,

    i. stones,

    j. polythene sheeting

A well-known writer on organic topics, Ruth Stout, became known as 'Queen of Mulches' as it was her speciality and she wrote several books on the subject.

Mulches Compared

Mulch. Sources. Cost. Uses. How often? Pros. Cons.
Straw More easily obtained in rural areas. Fairly cheap Not very attractive amongst flowers. Not long lasting. Cheap enough to be used thickly. Can carry weed seeds, usually necessary to add nitrogen.
Compost Make your own. Cheapest form of mulch. Just as useful in flowers beds as amongst vegetables. Annual dressing. Improves the soil fertility and structure. Quantity limited by the household resources.
Well
-rotted manure
 Not very easy to obtain in urban areas. Very cheap where it is available. Just as useful in flowers beds as amongst vegetables. Annual dressing. Improves the soil fertility and structure. Make sure that it is well-rotted or it will increase acidity & may introduce weed seeds.Universally useful in the garden.
Sawdust Sources widespread. Very cheap waste product. Acceptable appearance in flower beds. Annual dressing. Probably lightest and easiest to spread. Should not be used 'raw', allow to compost for 12 months, needs added nitrogen not suitable for windy sites.
Chopped bark Now easily available from garden centres. Moderately priced. Suitable for flower borders. Lasts longer than most of the other choices. Besides looking attractive also improves soil structure. Similar to sawdust.
Seaweed Not generally available in inland areas. Free! But there may be rules about gathering it. Can be used anywhere but better if allow to compost firsat. Annual dressing. Good soil improver, adding useful trace elements. Can look unsightly and may attract flies if not composted.
Mushroom compost Generally available - genuinely organic not so easy to find. Fairly cheap. Useful throughout the garden. Annual dressing. Improves soil texture. Unsuitable for lime-hating plants.
Spent hops Try your nearest brewery (and their products. {:-}) Usually reasonable prices. Universally useful in the garden. Annual dressing. Looks attractive and improves soil structure. Easily wind-blown.
Ground cover plants Easily obtained. Among the more expensive choices. More suited to flower gardens and under shrubs or trees. Long term but like all plants not immune to pests and diseases. More attractive than some of the other mulches. Slower to establish than the others