Types of Mulch For Organic Vegetable Gardens

Mulching is a great addition to your organic garden which adds fertilizer, cools the soil, and helps retain water. Simply defined, mulching involves placing matter, whether organic or inorganic, around your plants.

(Photo credit: t0msk)

Aside from providing fertilization, mulch also protects your soil. Whether your garden is subjected to heavy rains or at the risk of weed infestation, mulches provide ample protection and strengthening needed to supplement the natural growth processes of your organic garden vegetables. Aside from this, it also regulates the temperature of the soil, plus it can also render aesthetic appeal to the garden because it will help improve the ground texture and overall appearance.

If you have effectively established mulches in your garden, less watering is required because it will also help the plants retain water. The plants will also experience better growth levels and moisture retention.   Although known to help in weed control, it does not directly fight or ward off the weeds. It just helps as a filler for bare areas that are at higher risk of weed infestation.

For the case of organic mulches, bacteria has the tendency to eat up the much-needed nitrogen, so in some cases, you might be required to inject additional dosages of nitrogen to your soil. Some examples of materials you can use for mulching include lawn clippings, composted materials, leaves, straw, sawdust, or wood chips. These are examples of organic materials for mulching.

Inorganic mulches include such things as plastic, fabric, or even metallic mulches. However, be careful when using these in hot or sunny climates, as they can cause plants to overheat and die. Watering is also very important when using these types of mulch, which may not be as permeable to rainfall.

Whichever type of mulch you choose, mulching can be a great enhancement to your organic garden, and help you grow healthy organic vegetables quite successfully right in your own backyard.