Why Mulch?

In spring one of the most important tasks people begin to do with their landscape is get a fresh layer of mulch. Luckily, there are many reasons why mulch is beneficial to the garden that isn’t just for aesthetics. A three to five inch layer of mulch will eventually settle and provide sufficient depth. Too deep a layer can suffocate and rot plants. Ever see those mulch volcanoes around trees? They’re a big no! Shrubs and trees especially should not be mulched up to the trunk to reduce the risk of basal rot.
Mulch is a lot like the function of sweat in that it’s produced in order to cool the skin and the mulch layer offers heat regulation. In fall and winter, mulch will significantly retain the heat better than if there was no mulch at all therefore preventing frost heave and giving marginally hardy plants a better chance of survival.
It can also save you money! Due to its ability to block the sun’s rays, it also reduces water evaporation from soil and conserves water. The soil is less at risk from erosion from the mulch barrier slowing and displacing water. Mulch helps suppress weed growth better than no mulch, but they will inevitably exist.
Adding mulch to your garden beds will add organic material and essentially worm food back into the soil. Mulch is a byproduct of plants such as bark, leaves, or other shredded parts. Unfortunately, many popular inorganic materials used as “mulch” in the garden can harm plants more than protect or save you time. Mulch is an organic substance so stone, rubber mulch, and landscape fabrics don’t count. While these artificial mulches seem to cut costs initially, you will end up with air and water restricted by fabrics or material that gets so hot it begins to smell and release toxic gases.
For the perfect mulch and your other gardening needs visit Cape Shore Gardens. Visit their website at www.capeshoregardens.com for more information!
Check out the Herald’s 2015 Home & Garden Guide, available now!