Gardening in Sandy Soil by C. L. Fornari

Author:C. L. Fornari
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Storey Publishing, LLC
Published: 1997-03-25T16:00:00+00:00

Mulching Materials

Bark and wood. Shredded or chopped wood and bark are probably the most common forms of mulch. Trees and branches are put through shredders and the chips are then sold for mulch. Wood makes a handsome mulch that decomposes slowly; it allows rainfall through but when chopped fine enough keeps light away from weed seeds and retains moisture in the soil. The larger wood nuggets, usually used as a decorative mulch around shrubs and trees, are not as effective for weed suppression or water retention.

Bark mulch needs nitrogen in order to decompose. Thus, as it breaks down, bark mulch depletes nitrogen from the soil. Use a balanced organic fertilizer, or an organic source of nitrogen, to replenish your soil with nutrients lost to this mulch. You’ll find wood chips in garden centers, or call a local sawmill.

A cautionary word: Some people feel bark or wood mulch from treetops should be kept away from house foundations because it may either contain or attract termites. If you want to be sure of what you are getting, you might consider purchasing your own chipper/shredder — something I consider a necessity. I find homemade wood chips to be an excellent mulch to use on sandy soil.

Buckwheat hulls. Buckwheat hulls are small and light in weight, and they weather to an attractive light gray color. They are easily spread into small places (between clumps of perennials or herbs, for example), and they make a nice mulch for containers or small beds. High winds can blow the small hulls away, however, and a hard rain can also spatter the hulls around. Usually purchased by the bag, they are more expensive than bark mulch.

Carpet. Yes, carpet! Old rugs can be an effective mulch, particularly if they are made of wool or cotton fiber. I carpeted the paths in my vegetable garden one year and it suppressed the weeds, kept in the moisture, and gave me a great place to kneel while picking the beans. Stained rugs add little to the aesthetics of your garden, though, and the task of taking up old carpet that has been in the mud and rain for two or three years isn’t pleasant.

Cocoa bean hulls. Sold by the bag at most garden centers, cocoa bean hulls are slightly larger than buckwheat hulls. They are a nice dark brown and make a very attractive mulch. The hulls are slow to break down, but they do add nitrogen to the soil as they decompose. This mulch is expensive, so use it in small areas or in a garden that is seen close up and often, such as a flower bed by the entry to the house. Cocoa bean hulls smell like chocolate when first applied — spreading this mulch on a crisp October day is a pleasure!

Compost. There are many different types of compost that you can use in your garden. Partially composted wood and leaves make a fine mulch, and their chunky black-brown appearance is attractive. The high carbon content means that they decompose a bit more slowly.

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