Mulching: How to Begin Mulching
Mulching
How to Begin Mulching
1. Begin mulching by asking yourself the following questions:
a. What do I hope to achieve by mulching?
-- Weed control?
-- Moisture retention?
-- Soil improvement?
-- Beautification?
b. How large is the area that I’ll be mulching?
c. How much mulch will I need to cover the area?
Mulch is measured in cubic feet. As an example, if you have an area 10 feet by 10 feet and you wish to apply 3 inches of mulch, you would need 25 cubic feet.
2. Determine what mulch material to use and purchase or accumulate what you need.
a. Mulch can often be purchased bagged or bulk from garden centers. Bulk may be cheaper if you need large volumes and have a way to haul it. Bagged mulch is often easier to handle, especially for smaller projects. Most bagged mulch comes in 3-cubic-feet bags.
b. Mulching with Compost -- refer to Composting for information on how to make your own compost.
c. Mulching with Leaves
1. Collect leaves in the fall.
2. Chop with a lawnmower or shredder. Whole leaves tend to compact if wet or blow away if dry. Chopping will reduce the volume and facilitate composting.
3. Compost leaves over winter. Some studies have indicated that freshly chopped leaves may inhibit the growth of certain crops. Therefore, it may be advisable to compost the leaves over winter before spreading them.
d. Mulching with Grass clippings
-- Spread them immediately to avoid heating and rotting.
e. Mulching with Newspaper
-- Save your own newspapers.
1. Only use newspaper text pages (black ink); color dyes may be harmful to soil microflora and fauna if composted and used.
2. Use 3 or 4 sheets together, anchored with grass clippings or other mulch material to prevent blowing away.
3. The amount of mulch to apply will be determined by the mulch material you are using.
How to Begin Mulching
1. Begin mulching by asking yourself the following questions:
a. What do I hope to achieve by mulching?
-- Weed control?
-- Moisture retention?
-- Soil improvement?
-- Beautification?
b. How large is the area that I’ll be mulching?
c. How much mulch will I need to cover the area?
Mulch is measured in cubic feet. As an example, if you have an area 10 feet by 10 feet and you wish to apply 3 inches of mulch, you would need 25 cubic feet.
2. Determine what mulch material to use and purchase or accumulate what you need.
a. Mulch can often be purchased bagged or bulk from garden centers. Bulk may be cheaper if you need large volumes and have a way to haul it. Bagged mulch is often easier to handle, especially for smaller projects. Most bagged mulch comes in 3-cubic-feet bags.
b. Mulching with Compost -- refer to Composting for information on how to make your own compost.
c. Mulching with Leaves
1. Collect leaves in the fall.
2. Chop with a lawnmower or shredder. Whole leaves tend to compact if wet or blow away if dry. Chopping will reduce the volume and facilitate composting.
3. Compost leaves over winter. Some studies have indicated that freshly chopped leaves may inhibit the growth of certain crops. Therefore, it may be advisable to compost the leaves over winter before spreading them.
d. Mulching with Grass clippings
-- Spread them immediately to avoid heating and rotting.
e. Mulching with Newspaper
-- Save your own newspapers.
1. Only use newspaper text pages (black ink); color dyes may be harmful to soil microflora and fauna if composted and used.
2. Use 3 or 4 sheets together, anchored with grass clippings or other mulch material to prevent blowing away.
3. The amount of mulch to apply will be determined by the mulch material you are using.
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