Mulching Benefits Organic and Inorganic Mulch Types
By admin | November 22, 2008
Mulching is the practice of placing a loose surface onto the surface of soil in your flower or vegetable garden in order to protect, insulate and beautify the area. This loose covering is called a mulch and it can be either of an organic or inorganic variety. Examples of mulches include compost, stone and grass clippings. Every gardener should understand the many benefits of mulching the soil in their garden. This article will discuss the benefits of mulching, how to choose the correct mulch and have a quick look at some of the different types of organic and inorganic mulches available.
Benefits of Mulching
Let us explore some benefits of mulching:
Prevents soil erosion - Soil erosion happens when winds or water slowly wear away the surface of soil and remove it. Mulching your soil will prevent this as there is now a protective, replaceable layer.that comes between the surface of the soil and the forces of nature above it.
Insulates the soil in winter - The harsh temperatures of winter can be unkind. Mulching the soil in winter will insulate the soil preventing it from repeated patterns of freezing and thawing and will insulate plant roots. It prevents heaving (buckling upward) of soil in spring. Mulch should be applied to the soil when it has frozen and removed in spring only when there is no danger of further frosts. Winter-mulched soil thaws out more quickly in the spring.
Cools down soil in summer - A layer of mulch in summer protects the soil beneath from the extreme heats of summer and reduces the need for constant watering i.e. water retention is improved.
Helps against soil compaction - The layer of mulch acts as a buffer or extra layer between entities that can cause compaction on the soil below e.g. people, equipment, heavy rains.
Improves appearance - A mulch applied to your bed can make it look more complete and attractive. This varies from mulch to mulch as some are more attractive and natural looking than others.
Prevents weed growth - One of the more useful benefits of mulching is in weed prevention. While the mulch itself will not stop weeds from germinating it serves to act as a barrier between the weeds and the outside world above. When a weed reaches the mulch layer it will not be able to break above it and it will eventually die back. Some mulches perform this weed prevention feature better than others. Depth of mulch is also a contributing factor. Care should be taken however when selecting mulches as some mulches like grass clippings and straw may actually contain weed seeds.
Keeps fruit and vegetables clean - A layer of mulch reduces the chances of fruit and vegetables getting dirty from splashes from the soil below.
Choosing the Correct Mulch for Your Garden
Careful thought should be given when choosing a mulch to apply to your garden as each is different and should fit in with your exact requirements. Here are some common factors that should be considered:
Soil pH suitability - Some mulches like bark mulch and pine needle mulch can affect the pH value of soil so they are best used on soils containing acid-loving plants.
Removal in spring - Certain mulches need to be removed in spring because they can smother emerging plants. Examples include stone mulch and bark chips.
Cost - Is cost a limiting factor in your choice of mulches? If so you can find your mulch for free if you choose certain types. If you keep a compost heap then you will have compost for mulching. Other free mulches (if you have the sources) are pine needles and grass clippings.
Appearance - Do you care about how the bed will look when the mulch is applied? Each mulch adds a different look and depending on the design of your garden you may want to choose a mulch that matches it in colour and texture.
Penetration by water and air - Some mulches are better at allowing water and air to pass through them than others. This may be important depending on a plant’s watering requirements.
Addition of nutrients to the soil - Organic mulches add nutrients back into the soil when they decompose. The nutrient types and their amounts added back into the soil depend on the mulch and it varies quite a bit. Using compost as a mulch guarantees plenty of nutrients for your plants.
Some Types of Organic Mulch
This type of mulch once used to be living material and as such will decompose over time. During their decomposition vital nutrients will be added back into your soil. However you may want to avoid using organic mulches if you have rodent problems. Some common organic mulches are:
Compost - Mulches and feeds the soils as it decomposes. This mulch is free if you have access to your own compost heap. Apply at a depth of 1 - 3 inches.
Pine Needles - Commonly used with acid soils. Cheap, looks great and allows water to pass through freely to the soil below. It decomposes quite slowly however. Apply to a depth of 1 - 1.5 inches
Straw - Provides great insulation, water penetration and weed control. Care should be taken that straw does not contain weed seeds itself. Apply to a depth of 6 - 8 inches.
Grass Clippings - Readily available and decomposes quite quickly adding nitrogen back into the soil. Try not to apply too fresh as it can heat up quite a bit and possibly cause damage to your plants. Apply to a depth of 1 inch.
Newspaper - Provides great weed control and is readily available. Apply another mulch on top to keep it in place. Apply in 2 layer sections.
Some Types of Inorganic Mulch
Inorganic mulches are inert materials that have not originated from living material. Sometimes inorganic and organic mulches are used in conjunction with one another. For example a geotextile (inorganic mulch) may be covered and held in place by bark chips (organic mulch). Some common inorganic mulches are:
Stone - Looks great and provides great insulation. If removal in spring is a factor in your choice of mulch avoid using stone. Degrades very, very slowly. Apply to a depth of 2 - 4 inches.
Plastic - Does not decompose so it does not add anything into the soil. Acts as a great weed control and is easily laid. Must be perforated to allow water to pass through. Apply in a thickness of 1 - 6 mm.
Geotextile - Expensive blanket-like synthetic fiber that provides great weed control and allows for water penetration. Almost always used in conjunction with a cover mulch (e.g. bark chips). Apply in a single layer.
Conclusion
In this article we looked at the many benefits of mulching and the different types available. Maybe take the time today to decide which mulch to use in your garden if you have not mulched in the past. You may be surprised at how cheap the process can be if you use mulches such as compost from your compost heap, grass clippings from your lawn cuttings and/or the Sunday newspapers! Happy mulching.
Frank Kilkelly is the webmaster at GardenStew.com, a great home and garden community containing a gardening forum and gardening blogs.
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Mulching Benefits / Organic and Inorganic Mulch Types
Flowers as a Sign of Condolence
By admin | November 10, 2008
One of the most significant ways that you can show your condolences for the family of a deceased person is to send sympathy flowers. Normally, funerals are adorned with sympathy flowers from many concerned friends and acquaintances. Sympathy flowers are a traditional way to brighten up the home of the bereaved family and hopefully divert their grief. Sympathy flowers are a way to commemorate and honor the life of the deceased.
It is important to remember that if you are limited in your budget, synthetic flowers are not appropriate. There are several different lower priced sympathy flower arrangements that would be a better choice. Bud vases, table arrangements, and small wreaths in fresh flowers make a more tasteful choice than a large synthetic flower arrangement.
There are many choices in sympathy flowers. Standing arrangements, sprays, casket drapes, and planters are all common sympathy flower purchases. When ordering a sympathy flower arrangement, you can make a choice of type of flower, color, and style of the arrangement. These options allow you to totally customize and personalize your sympathy flower purchase.
One of the most popular sympathy flower arrangements currently is the garden basket planter. These arrangements are unique because the flowers can be kept and grown in the planter as a reminder for the family members of the deceased.
If you find yourself in a position where you need to send sympathy flowers there are certain things you need to consider. There are some cultural and religious differences that can influence the choice of sympathy flowers. For most cultures and religions, sympathy flowers are accepted and welcomed. However, for some members of the Muslim faith the emphasis at a funeral is on simplicity. Sympathy flowers are not appropriate in this case. Additionally, the shape of sympathy flowers is of important consideration. Sympathy flowers are often arranged in a cross shape, but this would not be appropriate for a Jewish funeral.
© Cookgroup Marketing LLC - All Rights Reserved. This article brought to you by http://Grow-Your-Garden.com/. You may freely reprint this article on your website or in your newsletter provided this courtesy notice, author name, and URL remain intact. Jason Albright is a contributing editor at Cookgroup Marketing LLC. His background is with lifestyle topics including: Gardening, Outdoor Living, Home Decor & Travel Destinations.
Tags: busch gardens, flow, flower, flowers, garden, gardening, herbs, lowers, olive garden, savage garden, types ofTea for Two (Or More) Party
By admin | October 11, 2008
A Tea Party may have the reputation of being a calm and quiet gathering, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be a good time. Use all of the things you do during tea time as inspiration or decorating supplies. Find shapes of tea cups and saucers, cookies, tea pots, flowers. Do you play cards during tea? Do you discuss a book? Do you share gardening tips?
The great part about Tea Parties is they can be a party for any age group. Mother/ daughter gatherings, garden clubs or ladies luncheons are all perfect for a tea party. Invite the guests to a comfortable setting such as your home and prepare for a lovely visit. Use a teapot shaped invitation, or a plain paper one and include a tea bag in it.
Decorations can be as little or as much as you like. Party supply stores will have every color of balloon or paper goods you need for the kitchen.
Instead of games, have the guests prepare their own snacks. Whether it is cheese dip to go with crackers, fruit flavored muffins, or even cookies, the time in the kitchen will be fun interaction. Getting a little messy is a great ice breaker.
After food preparation is done and goodies are baking, start an activity. Have a wide variety of fresh flowers on hand to decorate personalized projects. Everyone could make a bouquet, a tussy mussy, or a straw hat with whatever flowers are on hand. This could be done easily with ribbon, floral wire and a hot glue gun. A wreath could be made with a wire or foam base. Another idea would be to plant seeds or transplant flowers. You could decorate the pots, or if you gather for tea say once a month, you could watch the seeds sprout and grow every time you visit.
If activities aren’t your bag, play card games or just visit. Guests can continue to be crafty while sipping on tea and eating the fruits of their own labor when the snacks are ready. No matter what activities you do, keep it simple and light- hearted. You want the activities to be fun, but not overpowering. The end result will be a day of fun conversation and good food.
Mrs. Party… Gail Leino is the internet’s leading authority on selecting the best possible party supplies, using proper etiquette and manners while also teaching organizational skills and fun facts. More ideas, games and Tea Party Supplies at the Party Supplies Hut.
Tags: celebration, children, decoartions, favors, flowers, games, garden, gifts, party, supplies, tea, theme, toys