How to Use Mulch

!±8± How to Use Mulch

We all know what mulch is. We see it as the byproduct when we mow our lawn or when we process our yard wastes using a shredder, chipper or mulcher. It's common knowledge that it is beneficial to the soil, but do you know how to use it properly?

Yes, there is a proper way to using mulch. In fact, the incorrect way of using it can make it turn toxic, which harms our plants and can even kill them. This makes it important to learn the do's and don'ts of how to use mulch.

Here are the things you should know about using mulch:

DON'T - Never use weeds as your raw material. Remember that weeds are very hardy plants that can survive in many types of conditions where other plants cannot. Using them as raw material for your mulch can introduce weeds into your garden.

DO - Always use dry leaves or twigs or other organic wastes as your raw material. Remember that wet or moist mulch is much more susceptible to toxicity than dry mulch.

DON'T - Don't pile mulch higher than 4 inches and make sure they're stored loosely. This will allow your mulch to breath. When it is piled compactly, you create pockets of mulch that don't get any oxygen, which causes a reaction that turns it into toxic mulch.

DO - Turn mulch regularly. This ensures that all your mulch receive sufficient oxygen all around, which is required for it to decompose properly.

DO - When buying mulch from garden stores, allow it to air outdoors before using it. Turn it frequently and make sure it is loosely placed. This will allow you to head off any problems with toxicity from improper storage.

DO - When in doubt about whether the mulch is toxic or not, do a plant test. Choose mulch that's been stored in the center of the mulch bag or pile. Use it around an inexpensive plant and observe it. The effects of toxicity will be apparent quickly within just a couple of days. Your plant will show signs of wilting, dryness and leaf burn when it comes into contact with toxic mulch.

DO - When applying mulch on your garden, a thickness of about 2 inches is great for preventing soil erosion and rapid evaporation of moisture from the soil.

DO - Give your plant some room. Allow a perimeter of 4 to 6 inches from the base of the trunk of the plant before putting mulch. We do not want it right up to the trunk of your plant.

DON'T - In areas where you want to grow new plants, do not put mulch. It will keep sunlight from reaching the soil.

DON'T - If you notice a sour vinegar like smell from your mulch, do not put it on your plants. If it's already in your garden, cart them away to air them out and release the toxins. A sour smell is one of the sure signs of toxicity. Toxic mulch can cause serious damage to your plants.