Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Summary
• Increasing the organic matter and humus content of our soil is one of our most im-
portant goals.
• Landscaping fabric should only be used on paths, not gardens, and should actually
be taken out of gardens if it's already there.
• Stones and rocks aren't a particularly helpful mulch because they do not improve
the organic matter content of the soil, but they can be used short term on top of a
layer of leaves around a tree or shrub to hasten decomposition.
• I don't tend to use bark mulch, wood chips or sawdust as mulch because they can
cause more problems than benefits, but they can be composted or used as a light
mulch in perennial gardens to encourage fungi.
• Straw makes a great mulch. Hay is better composted to get rid of weed seeds, and
grass clippings are best left on the lawn.
• Leaves are the best mulch, supplying nutrients, organic matter, a balanced carbon
to nitrogen ratio, weed control, a good water-holding capacity, decreased evapora-
tion, homes for critters, and all of the things a good mulch should provide.
