Wood bark is certainly not the only mulch material you can use. Organic gardening offers many other options… Organic mulches are an essential part of practicing sustainable gardening. Using them is important for several reasons. However, it is vital to use the right mulches and use them correctly. Because when the wrong mulch is used or mulches are used incorrectly, they can do more harm than good. Unfortunately, mulching is one of the most commonly misunderstood organic gardening practices. So we’ve put together this guide to organic mulch to help beginners understand what can be a confusing topic when not well understood. What is Organic Mulch? Organic mulches are natural materials derived from plant or animal matter that are spread on the surface of the soil around your plants. In a “no-till” system, instead of digging compost or other fertilizers or soil amendments into the soil, these are spread as mulch on the surface of the soil. The harvest that can be obtained from a “no-till” system has been shown in studies to be larger and healthier than that produced using a more traditional gardening method. Learn more about mulches and feeds for your polytunnel and keep the soil ecosystem in full bloom by adopting “no-till” polytunnel gardening techniques and you could eat better than ever before, all while learning from this guide organic mulch. Benefits of Mulching Mulches are extremely important for those trying to garden in an eco-friendly and sustainable way, whether in a polytunnel or other types of gardens. Mulching is the primary method used by “no-till” gardeners. ur add nutrients and protect the soil. Instead of digging up organic matter, gardeners who adhere to this method lay organic matter as mulch over growing areas and around plants. There are several advantages to the “no-till” system, which arise from the thriving soil ecosystem. First, since the soil is left (mostly) intact, the organisms that live there are better able to do their jobs. Earthworms help aerate the soil as they move, also enriching the soil as they go. Fungal and bacterial networks can transport nutrients and work their magic without interruption. There’s a lot going on in the soil, and we rely on it to function as a fully functioning ecosystem to grow healthy crops. It makes sense to leave it as intact as possible so it can do its job. By choosing the right mulches for the right places from this guide to organic mulch, organic gardeners can help maintain good soil and provide for the plants growing in it. They are used to: Add nutrients and improve soil fertility. Improve soil structure and capacity. Protect bare soil from nutrient loss and erosion. Retain more moisture in the soil and help reduce water consumption. Remove weeds and reduce their growth. Protect plants during winter by providing insulation for their roots. Mulches can be specifically chosen to provide one or more of these services. Most mulches will not serve a single purpose, but rather multiple functions. Mulch can also help us increase biodiversity in our gardens – providing habitat for ground-dwelling wildlife and also improving micro-oil biodiversity. organisms such as bacteria and fungi in the soil ecosystem. Disadvantages of Organic Mulch The right mulch can always be extremely beneficial. But the wrong mulch, or mulch placed in the wrong place or in the wrong way, can lead to a host of problems and inconveniences. This is why it is so important to choose the right ones. If organic mulch is piled around the base of tree stems or trunks, it can cause them to rot. If an organic mulch is laid down too thickly, it can potentially bunch and compact, creating a barrier through which water cannot easily pass to reach plant roots. Some mulches laid too thick can also start to smell if the mix becomes anaerobic. Some woody mulches lead to nitrogen sequestration, temporarily reducing nitrogen availability as they decompose, which can lead to nitrogen deficiency for some plants. On the other hand, some mulches with a high nitrogen content can “burn” certain plants. Mulches can attract not only beneficial wildlife, but also some harmful species, and sometimes pest problems such as slugs, snails or rodents can occur. These are just a few of the problems that can arise when the wrong mulches are used or when mulches are used incorrectly. Types of Organic Mulch When deciding which organic mulch to use in a specific location and for a specific purpose, it can be helpful to think about four main categories of mulch you might use: Partially decomposed organic matter. “Green” materials (rich in nitrogen). “Brown” materials (rich in carbon). Plants that serve as ground cover and act co even a living mulch. It’s important for beginners to understand that mulch is not something you need to purchase. It’s often something that’s derived from your garden, obtained for free. From there you can start integrating it into your home polytunnel. Partially decomposed organic mulch In this category, we find mulches such as: compost. peat. well-decomposed manure. “Green” mulch (rich in nitrogen) In this category, we find: grass clippings. other green and leafy materials (such as materials from pruning, or plants cut and deposited). the seaweeds. “Brown” mulch (rich in carbon) In this category, we find mulches made from: wood chips, bark or other woody materials. dried fall leaves and other dead/dry plant matter. straw or fern. Living Mulches Living mulches are living ground cover plants used to cover soil. They are carefully selected to provide benefits to the plants around them without increasing competition too much. A living mulch is a specific type of companion planting. Plants are specifically chosen to cover and protect the soil. But they can also help the crops they are grown between in different ways. For example, they can attract bees and other pollinators. Or other beneficial insects that help keep sap-sucking pest populations low. Like ladybugs and hoverflies, for example. They can also help attract other beneficial wildlife to the garden. Some living mulches can also help repel, confuse or distract unwanted pest species. So they can help protect your main crops. Where to Use Organi Mulch what? Organic mulches can be used around plants in almost any growing zone. They are also used to create new “no-till” gardening areas in the first place, and to prepare the soil for new…
