Mulch Harrisburg PA can prevent soil compaction, keep the ground cool and suppress weeds. It is especially important for vegetable gardens and flower beds.
Organic mulches break down over time and enrich the soil. Some, such as shredded bark and composted wood chips, are good for the garden because they don’t affect the pH of the soil or deplete nitrogen levels.
Organic mulches are made from natural materials that decompose over time, releasing organic matter and nutrients into the soil. They also enhance beneficial microorganisms, like nitrifying bacteria and mycorrhizal fungi while inhibiting pathogenic organisms. This improves the structure of the soil, reduces the need for chemical fertilizers, increases water retention and moderates soil temperature. Ideally, organic mulches should be replaced every one to four years depending on the type of material used.
There are many types of organic mulches, such as compost, manure, leaves, grass clippings and bark. Compost is generally preferred because it adds a wide variety of organic materials to the soil and is often rich in nutrient, especially nitrogen (N). It is also relatively inexpensive and easy to obtain from home improvement centers or local composting facilities.
Leafy mulches such as hay and straw are good choices for vegetable gardens and edible landscapes because they contain few seeds and may provide shelter for ground beetles and other weed seed predators. Other forms of organic mulch include paper, biodegradable plastic sheeting and woven landscape fabric.
While these organic materials add organic matter and enrich the soil, they do not prevent weed germination as well as a thick layer of shredded woody mulch or other non-organic mulches. They are, however, good choices for reducing the need for herbicides.
A thick layer of organic mulch can suppress weeds, particularly annual broadleaf species, by blocking sunlight and preventing them from germinating. It can also reduce the need for weed spraying, although manual weeding is often required. The addition of organic matter and slow-release nutrients also enhances soil health, reduces weed pressure, provides protection from heavy rains and wind, moderates soil temperature and keeps weed seeds from splashing onto the surface of the soil.
Mulch also increases the moisture content of the soil by limiting evaporation, resulting in a more consistent and even supply of water to plant roots. It also helps to moderate the soil temperature during hot weather and keeps plants cool and moist by absorbing some of the heat from sunlight.
Pine Needle
Pine needles are an excellent mulch, especially in vegetable gardens. The needles block out light from weed seeds, and once they decompose, they enrich the soil. They also are very light, making them easy to spread and work into the ground. They don’t compact as much as materials such as wood chips, so they allow water and air to pass through, limiting anaerobic conditions that may lead to flooding or muddiness.
Pine needle mulch is a great choice for flowerbeds, and it can be used under shrubs and trees, as well. Its light texture keeps weeds from growing, and it is particularly effective around berries and fruit trees. It is a good idea to use a thick layer, at least 3 or 4 inches, when applying pine needles as a mulch for these plants.
When using pine needles as a garden mulch, it is important to be aware of their potential effect on the soil’s acidity. This is because the pines that produce these needles thrive in soils that are naturally acidic. However, this does not mean that the needles are creating the acidity; they are simply growing in optimal soil conditions.
It is a good idea to add a bit of compost or manure to a pine needle mulch before applying it to vegetable gardens. This helps to neutralize the acidity, which can be a problem with high-nutrient vegetables such as tomatoes and peppers.
Pine needles are a great source of natural nitrogen and phosphorus, as well as potassium, which is essential for plant growth. They also help to retain soil moisture, preventing it from evaporating as quickly, which is beneficial during dry spells. They moderate soil temperature, keeping it warmer during the cold season and cooler during the hot season, helping to protect plants from harsh weather conditions that inhibit their growth.
Oak Leaves
Oak leaves are an excellent choice for mulch because of their abundance and color, as well as their high organic content that recycles nutrients back into the soil. Oak leaves are also a good choice because of their high tannin content that slows down decomposition, providing a nice layer of protection for invertebrates overwintering and laying eggs.
To identify the species of oak you have, look for things like the number of lobes (protrusions) on the leaf; shapes and locations of sinuses (the space between lobes); amount, location and shape of hairs on the leaf or branches; overall leaf shape; and habitat and range. Also, examine the bark to distinguish between species. The bark of oaks is typically small, scaly and rough-textured, compared to the smooth, flaky bark of pines or wallpaper-like bark of birch trees.
The acorns of oak trees are an important food source for wild mammals (deer, squirrels, rabbits, raccoons and opossums) and birds (wild turkeys, northern bobwhites, wood ducks and mallards). Acorns also provide a good food supply for a variety of rodents and insects including squirrels, hares, mice and deer weevils.
Many of the upland oaks in Missouri have been experiencing a dramatic decline since the late 1990’s. The decline is attributed to environmental, climate and weather stresses, as well as insect pests such as defoliating beetles, acorn weevils and tree borers.
While the decline of some upland oaks is a serious concern, it has not been a significant issue for downland forests because of the large number of young, healthy trees in those forests. Using natural, organic mulches such as oak leaves, recycled from the forest floor, will help support those young trees and keep the ecosystem healthy. Organic matter in the soil helps to stabilize soil pH, provides food for soil microorganisms and holds water.
Grass Clippings
Grass clippings are an excellent source of organic material, adding nitrogen to the soil while they decompose. This helps reduce the need for chemical fertilizers and keeps nutrients in the soil where they belong rather than in the atmosphere, where they contribute to pollution. Mulching grass clippings also moderates soil temperature, reduces weed growth, holds moisture and improves soil structure.
The only drawback to using grass clippings is that they can mat down and limit oxygen and water penetration. To avoid this problem, scatter the clippings evenly and do not apply them thicker than 1 or 2 inches. Wet clippings can also rot quickly, creating odors and possibly introducing disease and pests to the garden. It is best to use fresh, dry clippings in mulch and not to apply them if the lawn has been treated with an herbicide such as weed killer, because these chemicals can easily transfer into vegetable gardens where they may harm or kill the plants.
Mulching with grass clippings is an easy and economical way to keep the beds around trees, shrubs and flowers healthy. It saves on dump fees and helps to keep yard waste out of already-strained landfills.
However, it is important to note that the same problems can occur with grass clippings as other types of organic materials. Over time, they can mat down and suffocate the roots of young plants and shade the ground, which can lead to thatch buildup and discourage the grass from growing. In addition, large volumes of wet clippings can rot, creating unpleasant odors and attracting slugs and snails to the area.
Besides using grass clippings as a mulch, they are a great addition to the compost pile and add an earthy flavor to the mix. It is best to use them in the early part of the process and to blend them with other material such as leaves or shredded newspaper for maximum effectiveness. Grass clippings can also be used as a top dress in raised garden beds to help retain moisture, suppress weeds and provide added nutrients to the soil.