Weed management and soil moisture conservation are the major constraints every gardener faces no matter whether a green thumb or is a beginner. What if we say, there is no need to employ separate management practices for weeds and moisture conservation? Sounds great right!! The easy peasy solution for this is mulching. This blog provides you with all the information regarding mulching in vegetable gardens.
What are mulch and mulching?
Mulch is an organic or inorganic material spread across the field or around the tree trunks to prevent weed growth, conserve soil moisture, and protect your plants from cold weather in winter. The process of spreading mulch is called mulching. Where and how to spread mulch plays important role in successfully avoiding weeds and containing moisture in the soil.
What are the types of mulches available?
Mulches can be broadly classified into types. They are
- Organic mulches
- Inorganic mulches
Organic mulches
The mulches obtained through natural sources can be termed organic mulches. These are inexpensive and readily available. The only drawback is that they didn’t last long. They have to be replaced whenever they are decomposed.
Here is the list of organic mulches
- Grass clipping
- Hay and straw
- Bark
- Pine needles
- Newspapers
- Leaves
Grass clippings as mulch
These are the inexpensive mulching options. You can use your mowed garden grass as mulch. Make sure these are not treated with any chemicals or pesticides. You can cover your seeds with these grass clippings for better germination. You can spread them around your plants and trees to conserve moisture. They slowly decompose over time, releasing nitrogen into the soil.
Hay and straw as mulch
Hay and straw can be excellent organic mulching options. Make sure they are free of any seeds to avoid the growth of weeds. The straw mulch is mostly suitable for tomato crops. Make sure to spread the mulch around the plant by leaving a space of at least 2 to 2.5 inches. It ensures the water reaches the roots. You can choose wheat straw too. The advantage and disadvantage of straw mulch are it decomposes really quickly. It provides the necessary organic matter to the plant and at the same time you need to add a few inches of straw mulch repeatedly. Check the depth of the mulch and whenever you observe a decrease, add a few inches of fresh mulch. It is advised to add new layers every six weeks.
Leaves as mulch
Leaves are easily available mulching options. Composting leaves are perfect for vegetable gardens. They have excellent soil moisture retention properties. Make sure the leaves are pest and disease free before you apply them as mulch. You can use leaves as mulch for your nursery beds too. Do not treat them with any chemicals. Spread at least 3 to 5 inches of leaves mulch.
Pine needles as mulch
Pine needles are the long-lasting options among organic mulches as they do not decompose easily. They also prevent the splashing of water over the leaves preventing diseases like blight. As pine needles do not wash off even in the rainy season, the best fit for vegetable gardens. They prevent weeds and also act as barriers preventing the runoff of topsoil. Use old pine needles as mulch. Gray or dark brownish shades indicate that the pine needles are old. Over age, pine needles increase the acidity of the soil. Make sure you maintain at least 4 to 5 inches of the mulch-free zone around the plant. Spread at least 4 inches height of pine needle mulch.
Bark chips as mulch
Bark chips can also be used as mulch for vegetable gardens. Make sure you are maintaining at least 4 inches of the mulch-free zone. Like pine needles, they also do not decompose easily and do not wash off during heavy rains. They prevent noxious weeds. They also retain moisture very well. Spread at least 4 inches of bark mulch around the plants.
Wood chips as mulch
In addition to the above, you can use wood chips as mulch for your plants. They also last longer than other organic mulches. Spread wood chip mulch at a height of 4 to 5 inches.
Newspaper mulch
Newspapers can also be used as vegetable garden mulches. The only disadvantage is that it flies off due to its lightweight. To prevent the newspapers from flying off, you need to add 2 layers of straw or grass. Add at least 6 to 8 layers of mulch in the vegetable garden.
Peat moss
Peat moss has excellent watering-holding properties. It helps in moisture conservation. Make sure you watered your plants well before applying peat as mulch. you can use peat moss as mulching for your vegetable patch, especially in summer.
Inorganic mulches
Inorganic mulches involve: Plastic mulches and Gravel and stones
Plastic mulches for vegetable gardens
Plastic mulches are mainly used in commercial vegetable fields. Raised beds were laid and the plastic mulch will be spread across the raised bed. Holes were made in the mulch to facilitate planting. Plastic mulches are available in different colors like black, silver, yellow and blue.
The black plastic film helps in conserving moisture, control weeds, and reduce outgoing radiation.
The reflective silver film generally maintains the root-zone temperature cooler. Transparent film It increases the soil temperature and is preferably used for solarization.
Gravel and stones
Gravel and stones are also used as mulch as they prevent the germination of weeds and increase humidity. mostly rock gardens and homestead gardens are mulched with gravel and stones.