Mulch is essential to keep your moisture in the soil and to provide soil ventilation. We’ve compiled the best tips on how to keep mulch from washing away!
How To Keep Mulch From Washing Away | Pad Outdoor
Ever wondered what
makes mulching a must-do step for gardeners and growers?
Mulch is a sort of
coverage which makes use of straws, compost, or even sheets to cover the ground
so as to prevent erosion and extreme evaporation.
In addition, this
also helps in preventing weeds from growing in the same beds with your plants.
In this article, we will not be discussing the ways on how to add mulch to your plant beds. Rather, we will share with you the best tips and practices on how to keep mulch from washing away, especially during the rainy season.
But first, we will
introduce the 5 mulch materials and their benefits:
5 Best Mulch Materials To Use For Gardening
Here are the 5 best
mulch materials to use:
Chipped Wood
This type of mulch is known for being the best one when it comes to water conservation. This also helps the moisture penetrate into the roots. The eucalyptus and cedar chipped woods are the top favorites since they are insect-resistant.
Hay And Straw
This
is an inexpensive option as hay, straw, and even grass are easily available.
You just have to ensure that these materials are entirely dry before you apply
them as a mulch. Straw is much more beneficial as this is free from seeds from
weeds that may invade the landscape.
Compost And Manure
Aside
from being organic, manure and composts are also good mulches that help improve
the soil quality. They can hold a lot of moisture and provide nutrients.
Paper
Put
your old newspaper into use by using it as mulch. Paper mulch is ideal for
vegetable gardens as they function like that of grass and hay minus the weed
seeds infestation. The paper resin has a water-resistant capacity.
Plastics
Plastics
are commonly used in commercial gardens and farms. This is because plastics
don’t get blown away and can be secured easily. The main problem with this
material is the disposal. However, you can choose a biodegradable plastic to
lessen this concern.
How To Keep Mulch From Washing Away?
Mulching is a
strategy that is best used during warm, sunny days as it helps retain moisture
in the soil. The concern of many is during rainy days as mulch can easily get
washed away.
Check out the best
tips to prevent this from happening:
1. Use A Heavier Weight Mulches
The
lighter the mulches are, the easier they are to be washed away in the rain. So,
choose your mulch materials carefully. The best mulches in rainy seasons are
pine needles and chipped woods (usually in much larger pieces). Smaller shreds
mean they don’t hold much in steep areas and straws and grass can easily float
in the flood.
2. Spread A Netting Over The Mulch
Netting is another technique that you can apply to prevent mulch from washing away.
So, how to keep mulch from washing away using a netting?
Spread
the net over the area and secure the ends with a landscape pin on all sides.
The pressure that the net puts against the surface helps in holding the mulch
in place, thus preventing erosions.
Make
sure you use netting with smaller holes. Netting and heavy-weight mulches are a
good combination as chipped woods and bark get trapped in the net, encouraging
more bonds with the soil.
3. Apply Stones And Rocks As An Edges Fence
In
flat surfaces and leveled plant beds, using stones and rocks as a form of edge
fencing is also an excellent idea. Moreover, they also serve as a sort of
decorative design around your flower beds.
There
are various decorative stones and rocks available online and in some gardening
stores. The main drawback of using this technique is that stones and rocks can
be a breeding spot for weeds. So, it is important to do some regular weeding
around once a month to prevent weed infestations.
To make the most out of your mulches, make sure they don’t get washed away by rain. By following these three simple tips, you can minimize the problem and own a healthy and stunning garden.
