Growing up, especially in primary school, I was taught that mulching is the best way to preserve water content of the soil. I did do my tad-bit of it – I planted two trees next to our school’s administration block and faithfully watered them every morning. As my days were busy through-out, I spread a thick cover of grass clippings round the trees and had inverted bottles-full-of-water dug into the ground (here I am with self-watering planters now!! J ) Today I proudly point out the two, now very tall, trees whenever I visit my alma mater.
Need I introduce mulching? It is a covering of loose material placed on soil mostly used to conserve soil moisture.
So what is the purpose of mulching?
Traditionally, mulching has been used from days of old to conserve soil moisture by reducing the evaporation rate of water. In addition, it curbs growth of weeds. When organic matter is used, it is used so to not only conserve the soil’s moisture but also to boost the soils’ fertility.
Contemporary gardening with evolution of landscaping has however brought new twist to mulching. Mulching now incorporates use of different materials for different purposes while contributing to the general landscape outlook.
Compost Mulch
Organic material. This can be leafy and woody plant material placed loosely on the soil. These help conserve the soil’s moisture and add to its fertility. Care should be taken when applying organic mulch as it affects soil pH and its Nitrogen content as some plant derivatives increase the soils acidity. It is best to consult on the type of soil in your garden before applying organic mulch. Sheet mulching is an example of organic use of mulch where different layers of various organic matters are used to achieve desirable soil fertility and weed eradication.
Dyed Mulch
Dyed mulch. This works perfectly with wood chippings, sawdust or straw. Dye these in whichever color you want to have in your garden. Contrast provided by the dyed mulch against the green heightens the appearance of your home.
Rock mulch. This varies from gravel, pumice, marble, pebbles to sizable boulders. Gravel has mostly been used to demarcate walkways and drive ways. Medium sized rocks or pebbles covering a garden trap heat during the day and lose it at night. This provides a warm micro-climate for your plants and is best for flowering or fruit-bearing plants.
Inorganic mulch. This can be in plastic sheets, landscape glass or landscape fabric. Plastic and landscape fabric are best for weed control and preservation of soil moisture. However, they trap rain water and degrade over time. Landscape glass is great when you want to add color to your landscape.
Combination of rock and landscaping glass mulch
However, mulching too has its disadvantages.
Grass clippings or cuttings if you like have been used most than other forms of mulching. These however mat too fast and require regular fluffing to maintain a presentable look to one’s garden. Plastic sheeting used mainly as a control for weeds degrades pretty fast giving off an unkempt impression. This also prevents free flow of (rain) water, oxygen and sunlight to plant roots and may result to stunted growth.
Rocks, be they gravel or pumice, are wonderful as they are long lasting. These trap heat realizing it at night which can be detrimental to those plants that need cooler climates. Other rock material such as marble may contain lime which in the long term kills most plants through toxicity.
Compost use as mulching has to be checked thoroughly as it may contain weed seeds. Landscaping fabric which is on the rise is good as it allows movement of water and air to soil and control growth of weeds. It however does not curb weed growth effectively and should have compost layered onto it.
Lechuza PON
Most of these materials can be found readily. However, if living in the concrete jungle, visits to a nearby farm or gardener will not only get you the clean compost or organic mulches but also advice on how to go about it. Some gardeners in Nairobi include Plants Galore in Runda, Garden Centre/World and Natare Gardens in Karen to name a few. Landscaping rock material as well as glass can be found from local mining companies such as Athi River Mining Company. Lechuza PON is available at Catapult Nature and is suitable for indoor mulching as it is sterile thus no worrying about pests and weeds.
Mulching is fascinating and brings much fun to gardening and landscaping. Try play around with your traditional gardening techniques and with a bit of creativity find out what works for your garden. And remember to make it all look pretty! J
