Why Use Mulch?

Combat the effects of rising temperatures, water shortages, and erosion by using one of one of these mulching methods.

By Lolo Houbein
Updated on September 30, 2024
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by Adobestock/ronstik
mulching garden conifer bed with pine tree bark mulch

Why use mulch? Learn about mulch benefits, how to make mulch for gardens and landscapes, and what type of mulch is best.

With temperatures increasing due to global climate change, and long dry summers with more frequent storms, our vegetables have come a long way since their ancestors grew in sheltered valleys in Asia and Europe, where the best agricultural land was once found. In the 21st century, North America’s agricultural land is suffering from wind and water erosion, acidity, salinization, chemical pollution, and the deaden­ing effects of frequent droughts.

Even though our backyards may not have inherited pollution from agricul­tural practices, they are still subject to climate changes. Once soil repeatedly dries out, microbiotic life and earth­worms disappear, and water is not taken up when applied. Therefore, we mulch.

what-type-of-mulch-is-best

However, once the heat has gone and rains bring cooler conditions, there is no need for thick mulches. Wet straw can become a hotbed for slugs. So let summer mulch rot away, or fork it in and let the soil air a little, unless your region experiences continuous drought with erosive winds. If weeds come up, pull them for compost or liquid manure. Never let them set seed–keep track of weeds. Mulch again in late winter.

If your soil is rocky, acidic, or unwork­able, you may choose to start your 3-foot-square garden from scratch like a no-dig garden, a method developed by gardener Esther Dean. Mark a 3-foot square, or build a box with sleepers or planks. Lay down twelve to twenty layers of soaked newspaper with cardboard and old T-shirts as underfelt to prevent per­sistent weeds breaking through. Make a doorstop sandwich (with thick “slices” of bread) by layering old animal manure, compost, and Lucerne hay. After water­ing well, make holes in the straw, fill with soil or compost, and plant vegeta­bles. The garden will gradually sink, so keep topping off with CM, hay, or straw. In the first season, plants may not grow fantastically, but the sandwich improves with time.

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