The Art & Science of Mulching Gardens
Using Compost & Mulches
in your Garden
The use of compost and mulches made from recycled organics
has surged dramatically since the state mandated that yard and wood trimmings be
recycled. Since 1993, Sonoma County residents have sent over 1.4 million tons
of “green materials” to Sonoma Compost. These materials are converted to the compost
and mulch prized by backyard gardeners, grape growers and landscapers. Most
large public landscape projects now utilize mulch when preparing soils for high
traffic use.
Use mulches to top off the soil around plants. Mulch retains
moisture, controls erosion, suppresses weeds, moderates soil temperature and
stimulates microbial and earthworm activity.
Composts are soil amendments that are worked into the soil. They
increase organic matter, improving soil structure, enhance microbial
populations and provide beneficial nutrients to crops, vineyards and
landscaping.
Use mulch in your vegetable garden, around annuals and
perennials. Place it around but not right up to plants in your vegetable and
flower gardens, under fruit and ornamental trees, and in agricultural
settings. For seedlings, wait until they are established. A 2-4” layer works for most applications and is
most effective when applied to soil that’s already moist.
Mulch can reduce moisture evaporation from soil by 10%-50%
and organic mulch, unlike plastic, also allows moisture into the soil.. A thick layer is best for moisture
conservation and weed control. Any weeds that pop through will be easy to spot
and pull. To practically eliminate weeding, place mulch on a moist layer of old
newspaper or cardboard.
By absorbing the impact of raindrops, mulch reduces soil
compaction and crusting and by adding organic matter to the soil, improves its
structure. The result is healthier soil that’s easier to work.
Knowledgeable gardeners know that mulch also attracts
earthworms who aerate your soil and release nutrients in the form of castings. Appropriate mulches provide modest inputs of
nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium as well as important trace minerals but
primarily mulching creates conditions that allow beneficial microorganisms to
break down organic matter, recycling nutrients through the soil system.
In addition to providing a wonderful backdrop for the
radiant colors in your landscape, recycled mulch also prolongs the life of
landfills and helps rebuild our valuable topsoil.
Sonoma Compost produces two mulches: Vineyard Mulch (for use
on and around landscaping and food-producing plants) and Path Mulch (for use in
landscaping and on pathways).
Vineyard Mulch is made from recycled yard trimmings that
have been partially composted to destroy weed seeds and plant diseases. An
excellent long-term conditioner, it also adds moisture-holding capacity to
sandy soils. The color and texture resembles a natural forest floor, enhancing
any garden. Vineyard Mulch is OMRI listed for use in organic production.
Long lasting Path Mulch is made from recycled wood and is an
affordable, environmentally sound alternative to expensive forest products. Its
attractive texture and subtle color help set off rich garden hues.
This article is written by Sonoma Compost, which manages the Sonoma County Regional Compost Program. For more information please visit their web site: http://www.sonomacompost.com/regional.shtml
or visit them in person at 550 Meacham Road Petaluma, CA 94952
For more information, visit www.sonomacompost.com
and Sonoma County
Master Gardeners www.ucanr.org/sites/scmg/
