Mulch

Mulch in our opinion is even more important than compost.

What is mulch?        

Mulch is a layer of any brown organic (or compostable) material that is placed on top of the soil. Mulch will eventually over time become compost in your soil.

Good sources of mulch:

• Wood chips and or bark (not readily available in South Africa)
• Compost heaps that went halfway
• Horse bedding
• Fallen Tree leaves
• Weed free dead garden plants

What does mulch do:

The main benefits of mulch are:

• Retains water in soil, as much as 50 percent less watering needed!
• Protects the soil layer and improving conditions for microbial life to flourish that in turn keeps soil loose and more fertile. – So basically more fertile soil that requires less work!
• Improves retention of nutrients and organic matter in soil.
• Keeps weeds down
• Improves the visual appeal of your garden.
• Keeps carpets clean, no more muddy shoes!

How much mulch?

Work with what you have, a layer of up to 5 cm is really good but any is better than nothing.