Mulching Reduces Landscape Maintenance

Most homeowners are looking for ways of reducing maintenance in their yards and gardens. The use of a mulch around plants can greatly reduce the time spent mowing and weeding.
A mulch consists of any kind of material applied to the soil surface around plants to control weeds, conserve moisture, and moderate soil temperature. The mulch material may be organic such as compost, bark, leaves, grass clippings or similar material; or inert such as gravel, pebbles or polyethylene film. Mulches suppress weeds when the mulch material itself is weed-free and is applied deeply enough to prevent weed germination or smother existing smaller weeds. An occasional weed may poke through the mulch, but it can be easily pulled out.
Mulch materials have many beneficial effects upon the soil and plants. They prevent loss of water from the soil by evaporation. Moisture moves by capillary action to the surface and evaporates if not covered by a mulch. Mulching will prevent crusting of the soil surface, thus improving absorption and percolation of water into the soil and at the same time, eliminating erosion.
Maintenance of a more uniform soil temperature can be obtained by mulching. The mulch acts as an insulator that keeps the soil cool under intense sunlight and warm during cold spells.
Organic materials used as a mulch can improve soil structure and tilth. As it decays the material works down into the topsoil. Decaying mulch also adds nutrients to the soil.
Mulches also add to the beauty of the landscape by providing a cover of uniform color and interesting texture to an otherwise drab surface. Dark colored mulches widen the pupil of the eye, allowing more of the sensible light from flowers to enter the eye. Consequently, those dark mulches give plantings a more attractive appearance.
The time to apply a mulch on most established ornamental plants is in the spring. When applying a mulch to newly set vegetables or ornamental plants, do so after they are put into place and thoroughly watered.
For best results, apply mulch at least 2 to 4 inches deep over the whole area; but avoid covering the crowns of low-growing ornamental plants. Keeping the layer deep enough to do the job is important. This means that more mulching material should be added to the older layers to get the maximum benefits of mulching.
Many organic materials, such as straw, wood chips, and sawdust are rich in carbohydrates and low in nitrogen. Usually, you will find it beneficial to add nitrogen fertilizer to the material before applying it as a mulch. One to two cups of fertilizer high in nitrogen (ammonium nitrate, sodium nitrate or ammonium sulfate) for each bushel of organic material will supply the needed nitrogen.
When plastic film or aluminum foil is used as a mulch, it is essential that fertilizer be applied before placing the mulch material on the soil. Broadcast and incorporate into the top 2 to 3 inches of soil a complete fertilizer at the rate of 2 pounds per 100 square feet of garden area. The mulch material reduces the leaching of fertilizer from the area where the roots will develop, hence larger amounts of fertilizer are not required.
Mulching may be your most valuable garden practice. A good mulch will reduce the amount of cultivating, weeding and watering and increase your chances of growing a healthy and vigorous plant.