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The mulch question for organic gardeners is not, "If?" but "What kind?" and "How often?" Choose from more than a dozen types of landscape mulch for weed control.
When applied to mulch, the term “organic” has dual meanings: either the mulch is free of toxic chemicals, or it’s composed of something that was once alive, such as decomposed plant material. One thing all experienced organic gardeners can agree on is that mulch is essential in the garden. Mulch suppresses weeds, controls erosion, retains soil moisture, moderates soil temperatures, and enriches the soil when it breaks down. Some gardeners choose their mulch based on ease and availability. For example, if your area is rich in pine trees, their dropped needles yield free mulch. If you live near a brewery, you might trade fresh vegetables with the brew master for some spent hops to cover and enrich the soil. Your utility company might offer wood chips by the truckload to their customers, if you’re willing to hazard the occasional ground up poison ivy vine in your delivery. Consider one of the following mulch alternatives for the organic garden. These choices include mulches that are expensive, cheap, or free; beautiful or homely; and common or unusual. There is no single best mulch; experiment with a range of materials until you find the one that complements your gardening style. Aluminum Foil
Bark or Wood Chips
Buckwheat
Carpet
Cardboard
Cocoa Shells
Compost
Grass Clippings
Hay or Straw
Leaves
Paper
Pine Needles
Rocks
Sources: Cornell University Department of Horticulture
The copyright of the article Benefits of Mulch in Organic Gardens is owned by Jamie McIntosh. Permission to republish Benefits of Mulch in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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