Mulch Types - Organic

Organic mulch types can include soil amendments.

Types of Mulch - Organic

This first list is of natural weed killer options that are easy to apply.

1) Cedar Mulch

Cedar mulch is preferred over other shredded bark chips.

• 
  
• Highly effective against termites, ants and other unwelcome insects. Cedar has oils that repel these insects.
• Doesn't breakdown quickly
• Not harmful to plants. Improves soil structure and water retention.

2) Hay

Hay is comprised of legumes (Alfalfa, Red Clover) and grasses (Timothy). The two types of hay are:

3) Hulls and Shells - Cocoa Bean Mulch

This includes peanut shells, buckwheat hulls, cocoa bean shells, rice hulls, oat husks and more. If you reside in rural area these can be found at local mills.

• Offer limited nutrients to soil, best used as mulch
• Attractive
• Longevity can vary
• Most popular of this group is cocoa bean mulch.
  

                - Shells are removed during the roasting process.

                - Weed seed free.

                - Longer lasting, gets darker in time rather than lighter.

                - Works especially well around woody shrubs and plants,
                   especially roses.

                - Can attract some insects, as with other organic
                   mulch types.

                - Apply about 1". Spray down with water to create
                  an interlocking structure.

                - Light mold at times, as with many organic mulch options.

                - Can promote diarrhea and vomiting if excessive
                   amount consumed by dogs.

4) Leaf Mould / Leaf Mold

Comprised of dry, dead leaves from shrubs and trees.  Use the whole leaves of fall as winter mulch rather than placing at the curb for pick-up in the fall. When spring comes it can take some time to rake off.

• 
  
• It's Free!!
• As weather gets colder, leaves pack gradually over frosting period.
• Once winter arrives the wet packs them effectively creating a blanket.

• 
  Technically Leaf mould is considered a compost soil amendment. It is better used only as a mulch. This because breakdown of leaves is...

• Limited nutrients.
• High acid content. Use only with plants that prefer acidic soil.
• Low nitrogen producing ineffective decomposition.
• Requires one to two years to breakdown.
• Avoid using around certain trees, such as native Oaks. An undesirable fungus can transfer creating adverse effects.
• Best to Sterilize if used as compost.

5) Pine Bark Nuggets

Pine bark nuggets is the composted bark from Pine tree. Use only as mulch.

• No nutrient value
• Most common of Bark mulches.
• Long lasting, takes many years to break down.
• Some bacteria can set in over time.
• More expensive than other mulch types.
• As it begins to pack down can cause nitrogen deficiencies.

• Easy to remove
• Can harbor insects including vine weevil and flea beetles.
• Consider putting newspaper down first to catch weed seed from touching soil.
• Less expensive. Approximately 1 Bale per 1000 square feet, about 6" thick.
• Great at smothering weeds.
• Last long time. Re-apply annually.
  

Before applying types of mulch understanding different
weed killing methods helps.

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Soil Amendment to Mulch and Fertilize

Mulch types can also include using a soil amendment for both natural weed control while additives to soil increase nutrient value.

There are pro's and con's when using to amend garden soil.

1) Animal Manure

It is very common to use manure as fertilizer and mulch. Cow and horse manure are more often used.

Regardless of type, it is recommended
to age at least six months until it is
well rotted because of ammonia.

Raw manure can also burn roots
and change soil growth levels.
Young vegetation can also be
scorched above soil line if manure
is not aged.

Even better is to heat manure when composting. This way any weed seeds that were consumed by animal are killed.

• Most manures are rich in nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium.
• Apply when warm so micro-organisms can release nitrogen.
• Nutrients are slow and can be unpredictable with releasing.
• Improves water and nutrient retention.
• Improves soil structure.
• Fairly expensive.
• If sold in bags, contents can vary.
• If sold in bags, great for potting.
  
  
  Other manure fertilizer and mulch types available:
  
•  Chicken - High in nitrogen and nutrients.
  
•  Goat - Considered better than horse.
  
•  Pig - Heavier, colder and wetter than horse and cow manure. High in nutrients. Use professionally handled only.
  
• Pigeon and Rabbit - Both require a lot for coverage. Both hard to get. Both considered excellent.
  
• Sheep - Sheep usually graze in fields, not inside. Fewer micro-organisms, if any.

• It is recommend asking questions depending on manure type and where you get it. Handling can be different from farm sources and others. Aging times can vary.

2) Coir

• No acids, neutral pH.
• High in nutrients.
• Retains water well.
• No disease organisms.

3) Compost

Any plant material that is thoroughly rotted, including kitchen scraps. Learning to compost is easy but there are a few rules to learn.

• If purchasing bags of compost material, contents
  will vary.
• Can be used to amend garden soil and mulch.
• When used as a mulch most composts break down more quickly than other mulch types such as shredded bark chips.
• Weed free if properly made.
• Good for soil structure and retaining water.
• Apply anywhere from 3" - 6".
• Kitchen scraps can include:
  
       Coffee grounds and filters (see below about dogs)
       Tea
       Corn cobs
       Eggshells, Oyster/Clam and Crabshells
       Fruit pits
       Fruit rinds and cores (Butterflies will love you!)
       Nut shells
       Stale, moldy Bread
       Raw or Cooked Vegetables

4) Corn Gluten Meal - Organic Weed Killer has more info on Corn Gluten.

One of the more effective mulch types used for crab grass, dandelions and purslane weeds.

• More expensive.

5) Cover Crops - See Green Manure below

6) Grass Clippings

Grass clippings are abundant for us with mowing. It can take some time to master the art of application. Too thick of an application and no air gets through to bottom. If air doesn't get through cuttings will rot and begin to get slimy and smell.

• Apply about 6".
• High in nitrogen.
• Good at smothering weed seeds.
• Saves a lot of money over other mulch types because it's free.
• Don't put near young plants.
• Best to apply ASAP unless chemicals were recently added before mowing.

7) Green Manure

Made of Alfalfa, Red Clover, Lupine, Crown Vetch and more.

• Planted seeds in fall will hold the soil over winter and become a cover crop. In spring work green plants into ground.
• Wait about 2 weeks before planting anything.
• Decomposes rapidly in warm weather.

8) Ground Cover Plants

Ground covers compete with weeds, ultimately smothering weeds out.

• Some ground covers produce natural herbicides that prevent weed growth.

9) Mushroom Mulch

This is a combined mixture of mushrooms, horse manure, peat and chalk. Called 'Mushroom Mulch' because it is made by various commercial mushroom industries.

• Chalk makes it more alkaline. Don't use on plants that thrive on acidic soils.
• Somewhat effective as pesticide.

10) Seaweed Mulch

Seaweed mulch including Kelp. Seaweed mulch has many organic compounds and is nutrient rich.

• Improves soil structure.
• Good potassium content.
• Modest nitrogen content.
• Excellent at smothering weeds when fresh compared to other mulch types.
• Not long lasting.

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The list are soil amendments
that do not cross-over as mulch types.

• Alfalfa Meal - Made from grasses. Protien rich, high in nutrients.
  
  

• Coffee Grounds -
  Releases ammonia but
  can be nitrogen rich.
  
  Dogs can get caffeine poisoning if ingested.
  
  

• Gypsum / Mined Gypsum - Used as clay soil amendment.
• Humus - A generic, catch-all word describing organic matter.
• Loam - High quality soil that contains large amounts of organic matter/humus.
• Meals -
       Blood Meal - Rich in nitrogen
       Feather Meal - Rich in nitrogen
       Bone Meal - Rich in phosphorous and calcium
• Perlite - Lightweight, adds volume, helps drainage. Best to mix into other amendments.
• Soybean Meal - High in nitrogen
• Spent Hops - Little nutrient value or organic matter
• Wood Ash from wood burning stoves - Very alkaline, excellent for treating Acidic soil, pH raised quickly. Good potassium and calcium.
• Vermiculite - Excellent for holding water. Even better than a sponge.

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Never - Never - Never

1) Use these kitchen scraps in garden:

• Meat
• Bones
• Grease
• Oils
• Dairy
• They become rancid and can attract unwanted wildlife,
  including rodents.

2) Use these as manure mulch types:

• Human
• Dog
• Cat
• Pet Birds
• Pig
• These may contain parasites that are communicable.
  

3) Charcoal Barbecue or Coal Ashes

• Contains chemicals you don't want to transfer.
• 
  

4) Treated Wood Products

• Contains chemicals like paints and chemicals. Pressure treated wood is also chemically treated.

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