Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
ance. Either way, mulch is helpful in controlling the weeds in your
vegetable garden.
Smoothie Garden Solution
Tough perennial weeds will often show up when you do not have
the time to deal with them. Placing boards over infested areas of
quack grass, Bermuda grass, or Johnson grass will slow down their
growth for a few weeks until you have the time you need to dig
them out.
But mulch has many other benefits in your garden. Mulch can
reduce evaporation of water so the soil will stay moist longer. It can
help by either warming up the soil or keeping the temperature cool.
The organic mulch will decompose over time, adding organic matter
and nutrients into your garden soil. Earthworms like the darkness it
provides and will thrive under a thick bed of mulch. Mulch can offer
some protection to fruiting plants; it keeps their fruit from lying dir-
ectly on the ground, which can help prevent pests and diseases.
However, mulch also has its disadvantages. Mulch can promote
fungus and disease, especially if it keeps the soil too damp and cold.
Slugs and mice love mulch, so only use mulches sparingly if you live
in an area where these are a problem. Using certain types of mulch
can cause deficiencies in your soil. For example, pine needles are
very acidic and may make it more difficult to grow your vegetables in
a soil that is already acidic. Sawdust uses up nitrogen to decompose,
which it does at the expense of your plants. It is important to under-
stand what materials are best for your garden site and the reasons
you are using mulch.
