Mulch Magic


  • Shredded bark has a natural look and decomposes very slowly. The pieces are not uniform in size, but rather strips are tangled together.

  • Leaves tend to pack together when whole, so they are more effective if they’re shredded with a shredder or lawn mower. They tend to decompose fairly quickly and may have to be replenished more than once a season.

  • Wood chips are the result of hardwood branches put through a machine that chops them into chips. Frequently local tree service companies will gladly provide them free of charge.

  • Pine needles are slow to decay and therefore don’t need frequent replenishment. They should be applied about 3 inches deep.

  • Compost can be homemade or purchased in bags from your garden center. Before you spread homemade compost, sift it to remove any large, uncomposted pieces.

  • Straw and hay can be purchased at feed stores. Pull off a 3- inch thick layer from the bale and place it around the plants without breaking it apart. Straw has the advantage of containing very little seed, whereas hay contains a lot. This seed will germinate into weeds.

  • Nut hulls, such as almonds and walnuts, should be applied 2 inches deep. This mulch can last up to two years and has an attractive appearance. Uncrushed shells are slow to decompose, although oily shells decompose more quickly.

  • Cocoa bean hulls are attractive and fragrant and have a measurable amount of nitrogen, yet are low in acidity. Imported hulls are not recommended, as they can contain pesticide residues.

    A word about rubber mulch....this inorganic substance has recently become popular because of its durability and resistance to pests. And it’s available in a rainbow of colors!! While it may be appropriate for some applications, I would still favor organic mulch, especially for containers, because of the benefit to the soil as the natural material breaks down.

    How and When to Mulch

    Mulching is one of the easiest garden tasks you can do. Simply pour or scoop the mulch onto the surface of your containers. How deeply you should mulch depends on the material you’re using. Loose mulches made up of large particles should be spread more thickly than finer mulches. Be careful not to mulch too thickly or you will make it impossible for water and oxygen to reach the plant roots. Don’t pack the mulch right up against the plant stems as this can encourage the development of diseases.

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    The copyright of the article Mulch Magic in Container Gardening is owned by Kathy Reiffenstein. Permission to republish Mulch Magic in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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