Different Types of Mulch

There are a wide variety of mulch types that can be used to enhance a garden or landscape. These include organic mulches such as bark, straw and wood chips.

Inorganic mulches such as gravel can also be used. They are not as isolating as organic materials but they can add color and interest to a garden or landscape.

Shredded Bark

Shredded bark is a popular and effective type of mulch that provides several benefits. It helps retain soil moisture, prevents weed growth, and reduces the risk of soil compaction.

It also improves the health of the surrounding soil by enriching it with humus.

Often created as byproducts in the wood processing industry, shredded bark is available at many gardening supply stores. It’s a versatile mulch that can be used to line flower beds or around trees.
Chipped Bark

Chipped bark is a popular mulch for garden beds and borders. It provides weed suppression, moisture retention and thermal protection for plant roots.

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It’s also a decorative way to smarten up shabby areas. It’s a great material to use in children’s play areas as it’s soft and splinter-free.

It’s also used in vegetable gardens and can help support specific products such as squash and ground veg. However, it’s best not to use wood chips directly in the soil as they can cause nitrogen to lock up which may affect the growth of your vegetables.

Pine Bark

Pine bark is a type of organic mulch that comes in various particle sizes. It can be used in gardens and flowerbeds.

When applied in a thick layer, it helps to retain soil and prevent it from eroding away into surrounding areas. This makes it a great choice for areas where plants are sporadic, such as border gardens along fences and around tree trunks.

It can also be used as a soil amendment for acid-loving plants, such as roses. This mulch also helps to regulate soil temperature, especially in hot climates.

Pine Nuggets

Pine bark mulch benefits to soil and plants by retaining moisture, shielding them from extreme cold or heat, and preventing the spread of soil-borne diseases. It also adds aluminum to the soil, promoting green, leafy growth.

When applied a few inches deep, pine bark mulch holds soil and prevents it from eroding into the surrounding areas. It’s especially helpful for areas of plain dirt with sporadic plants, such as borders along fences and around tree trunks.

It’s possible to find pine bark mulch in different textures and consistency, from finely shredded or double shredded to large pieces known as pine nuggets. Choose according to your preferences and your garden’s needs.

Straw

Straw is a good choice for mulching because it can provide soil insulation. It is also porous, which allows water to seep down through it and into the soil.

Straw can also help prevent blights by reducing the amount of soil splash that could infect plants with blight spores. This is especially important for crops such as tomatoes, peppers, and squash.

When using straw as mulch, be sure to apply it very close to the plant. This will help to keep the weeds and other unwanted plant seeds from sprouting.

Hay

Hay is a plant-based feed for ruminant animals (think cows, goats, and sheep). It is produced from a variety of forage crops including ryegrass, clover, timothy, alfalfa, or other grasses and legumes.

Many farmers rely on hay to help them keep their livestock fed during long winters. It can be stored in rectangular-shaped bales, which weigh 50-60 pounds apiece.

When used as a mulch, hay helps to hold in moisture and protect plants from the sun’s heat. It also slows evaporation, so you don’t need to water as often. It also holds weeds down, which makes the process of removing them much more manageable.

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