Mulching is one of the quickest, easiest and most cost effective ways to conserve water in your garden. Mulch is any substance that can be placed on the soil surface around plants to keep the moisture in the soil. There are two main types of mulch – organic and inorganic.

Organic Mulches

Most of these sorts of mulch come from plant sources and therefore are the best sorts of mulch. They break down along with the help of earthworms to enrich and condition the soil.

Examples are : compost, grass, cuttings, pine needles, milled bark, straw, peat, crushed mealie cobs, autumn leaves and shredded paper.

Inorganic Mulches

These are substances or materials that do not break down but do serve the purpose of keeping moisture in the soil.

Examples are : plastic sheeting, gravel, pebbles and stones.

Advantages of Mulch

• It retains moisture in the soil and prevents erosion.
• The moisture which is retained, encourages good root growth.
• It helps to prevent weed growth.
• It conditions the soil texture.
• The organic mulches attract earthworms and other micro-organisms.
• The micro-organisms aerate the soil and digging is not necessary.
• Mulch lowers the soil temperature and therefore there is less surface evaporation by the sun.
• Mulch helps prevent frost damage.

How to Apply Mulch

• Before applying the mulch, loosten your soil to improve ventilation.
• Sandy soil requires a thicker layer of mulch than clay soil.
• If you stay in an area which has a fairly high summer temperature, the layer of mulch should be thicker.
• Leave a space between the mulch and the stem and trunks of trees and shrubs.
• Do not place mulch over seeds that have not germinated, as they require light and oxygen to germinate.