Mulching is a practice that our ancestors from over 10,000 years ago have resorted to, as a means of restricting weed growth. We have a number of materials available in the market (and on our homes also) that can be used mulches. However, nothing quite beats organic mulches due to the fact that they are biodegradable (obviously), and are easily acquired. Also, they are extremely effective in keeping out weeds when applied as a thick layer, which lets in water, and nutrients, but keeps out the sun, thus keeping the soil moist.
Some materials that are commonly used as organic mulches (mulch Perth) include:
1 – Leaves
Chopped (fallen) leaves from trees in the vicinity are used as mulch more often than not, as these, while decomposing, stick to each other forming a thick and spongy layer that suppresses weed growth very effectively. During cold weather conditions, the leaves are better off being not wet, thus paving way for effective temperature control.
2 – Grass clippings
Grass clippings from mowed lawn are more often than not mixed with the fallen leaves of deciduous trees in the vicinity as an effective means to keep the grass from decomposing in a putrefying manner, and also keep the compost aerated as it undergoes the process. Decomposition of grass (or anything for that matter) is an exothermic reaction that involves the release of heat into the surroundings. Thus, grass clippings are generally thoroughly dried before they are applied as a layer of mulch, effectively preventing rapid decomposition and sees to it that excess heat is not produced.
Also, an added advantage of grass clipping mulches is that most of the nitrates are replenished in the soil, ensuring that there is no dearth of nutrients for the inhabiting plants.
3 – Woodchips
These are used as mulch when they are cut for maintenance in various parks or by arborists (tree surgeons who concentrate on the health of individual trees). This wood, once chipped can be extremely coarse and hence cannot be used for layers of mulch less than 3 inches thick. These are equally effective as any other type of mulch when it comes to the retention of soil moisture, regulation of soil temperature and restricting weed growth.
4 – Newspapers and cardboard
These require an additional layer of mulch above them to ensure that strong winds do not blow these away. However, this is advantageous as the amount of heavy mulch is considerably reduced, thus improving the water retention capacity of the mulch itself. However, this method is also labor intensive, as holes have to be made to accommodate each growing plant.