And although they are technically natural materials, pea gravel, crushed stone, and seashells are also considered inorganic mulches because they don’t break down.ĭid you know? Ground cover plants, like thyme, clovers, ice plants (a type of creeping succulent), moneywort, and even moss are also sometimes considered a type of mulch. Other examples include plastic mulch (the plastic sheeting that’s often used on commercial farm crops) and landscape fabric. I’m sure you’ve seen those little rubber bits covering playground floors before-that’s a type of inorganic mulch called rubber mulch. Inorganic mulch refers to any mulch that consists of manmade materials. Be sure to source your organic mulch from a reputable supplier to avoid introducing weeds and other unwanted elements into your garden. Some (like cocoa hulls) break down much slower than others (like grass clippings).Ĭaution: Organic mulches sometimes come with surprises-like weed seeds, mushroom spores, or, unfortunately, pesticides and other toxins. Organic mulch has to be reapplied regularly, although the exact time it takes to be processed into the soil by bacteria and fungi varies. One of the key characteristics of organic mulch is that it offers all the benefits of mulch mentioned above, including enrichment of the soil as it breaks down. Organic mulch is made from natural materials, usually shredded into small particles. If you’re thinking about using mulch in some parts of your yard, the first step is to decide whether the space is best suited for an organic or inorganic mulch (biodegradable vs. Mulch generally falls under two categories: organic and inorganic. For decorative purposes: Mulches can be used to tidy up a bed and create a more cohesive look throughout the garden.As a slow-release fertilizer: Many organic mulches release nutrients into the soil as they decompose.To protect the soil structure: A layer of mulch can help reduce runoff during rainstorms, prevent soil erosion, and keep the soil from forming a hard pan (crust) in hot, dry weather.To retain warmth and regulate soil temperature: Mulch offers insulation from cold and heat, protects plant roots from the damaging effects of extreme weather, and prevents frost heaving (where the soil expands and contracts from the continual freezing and thawing of water in the earth).To keep moisture in: Mulch helps prevent evaporation, so you won’t have to water as often.To make it harder for weeds to grow: Seedlings are smothered by the mulch layer and without light, some seeds won’t germinate at all.
Mulch is pretty useful in gardening, and it has many different benefits: The thickness of the layer can vary, but it’s usually at least an inch or two. In horticulture, mulch refers to any type of material spread as an extra cover layer on top of the soil.
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