Different Mulches for Different Types Of Gardens

Mulch can be used to protect soil or plants by being spread around the soil.

This covers helps reduce soil erosion and leaching, prevents weeds growth, preserves moisture, and creates an attractive backdrop for your garden.

It is one the most effective and beneficial soil supplements you can use in your yard.

Types of Mulches

Mulches can be divided into two types:

Organic

And

Inorganic Mulch

Organic mulches are natural substances derived from plants or animal materials that increase soil fertility and decompose over a prolonged. These include wood chips and barks, pine straws, pine needles, and chopped leaves.

Materials such as newspaper, landscape fabrics and pebbles are all examples of organic mulches.

How to choose the right mulch for your garden

While you are working on your garden as autumn is looming around the corner, it is important to remember that there is no one mulch that fits all types of garden.

Understanding the characteristics and types of mulch can help you make the best choice for your garden. Consider your situation and decide which mulch type you would need.

Queensland’s early year would see winter mulch as the main focus. It is usually applied in autumn, just as the soil starts to get cold.

For the colder seasons, straw, pine mulch, and chopped leaves are the best mulch materials. This mulch protects the soil and keeps it cool during winter.

Mulch types

Different types of mulches work for different types of gardens – choosing the right mulch for your landscape is imperative for the longevity of your garden.

Pine Straw

Pine straw is slower to break down than other mulches. It also supplies nutrients as well as organic material for your plants. It protects roots from extreme weather conditions. Pine straw is not a pesticide. Pine straw can be used around plants that prefer acidic soil conditions.

It is the perfect mulch for trees and shrubs as well as vegetable gardens.

Wood Barks and Chips

They are used more often as mulches to trees, shrubs, and garden beds.

Shredded type can be used on steep embankments or slopes. It is also very cost-effective and retains water well. It will enhance the appearance of your garden and help to prevent soil erosion.

Anti Termites Mulches

Attention Queenslanders! Some areas in Queensland require that gardeners and landscapers be alert to termites, ants, and other pests. WLS strongly advises that you be more cautious than sorry and keep your mulch bed 20-30 cm from any wooden surfaces.

There are also specific mulches that repel termites, such as Sugar Cane Mulch and Tea Tree Mulch. These mulches have a certain amount tea tree oil that repels termites and other insects.

Pebbles and Gravels

It is mostly used to mulch succulents and Mediterranean-type plants. It includes products like river stones and gravel which make an appealing design feature for your garden.

However, the use of gravels and pebbles does not increase soil fertility.