What is Organic Mulch and Inorganic Mulch
In this blog post, we will discuss the differences between organic mulch and inorganic mulch. Whether you’re a gardening enthusiast or just someone who wants to spruce up their outdoor space, understanding the benefits and characteristics of these two types of mulch can help you make an informed decision. So, let’s dive in and explore the wonderful world of mulch!
Organic Mulch
Organic mulch is a type of material used in gardening and landscaping to cover the soil around plants. It is made from natural substances such as bark, leaves, straw, or compost. Organic mulch serves multiple purposes in the garden. Firstly, it helps to retain moisture in the soil, preventing evaporation and reducing the need for frequent watering. Additionally, it acts as a protective layer, shielding the soil from extreme temperatures and minimizing weed growth. Organic mulch also improves soil health over time by gradually decomposing and adding nutrients to the soil. Overall, using organic mulch is a fantastic way to promote healthy and thriving plants in an eco-friendly manner.
- Garden compost – This helps with preventing the weed seeds from becoming germinated by blocking out light. Garden compost also slowly breaks down and supplies the nutrients to the ground gradually.
- Leafmold – This is ideal for shrub borders and woodland gardens and it’s very simple to make.
- Farmyard manure – This has to be well-rotted. Manure is a very good nutrient source and it’s ideal when you’re mulching shrubs and shrubs.
- Composted bark – This is the most nutritious choice when you’re considering wood and bark mulches. It should be used around shrubs and trees, especially plants that love acid.
- Chipped bark – This is low when it comes to nutrients and it’s going to remove the nitrogen from the soil at first. It’s dense and heavy, discourages germination of weeds and it will last for many years before you have to top it off.
- Wood chips – These decompose slowly, and they’ll initially remove the nitrogen from soil. These should be used for your paths or behind shrub borders. Don’t use them around herbaceous or young plants.
- Composted straw – This doesn’t have a lot of nutrients and it could have weed seeds in it. However, it’s fine to use at the rear of a border where it can’t be seen.
- Cocoa shells – This type of compost is nice to look at but they’re costly. They will rapidly decay, and they’ll have to be topped off each year. Water the shells to help with binding them together.
- Mushroom compost – This will supply the soil with some nutrients and it decays slowly. Since it contains chalk, it’s not recommended to use around plants that love acid, like rhododendrons.
- Spent hops – This mulch is lightweight and low when it comes to nutrients. It has a tendency to blow around when it’s dry and quickly rots. You should lay it on thick and be certain that’s watered.
Inorganic Mulch
Inorganic mulch, also known as synthetic mulch, is a type of mulch that is made from non-organic materials. It is commonly used in landscaping and gardening projects to provide various benefits. Inorganic mulch can be made from materials such as rubber, plastic, or fabric. It is often used to suppress weed growth, retain moisture in the soil, and enhance the overall appearance of the garden or landscape. Unlike organic mulch, inorganic mulch does not decompose over time, making it a long-lasting option. It is important to note that while inorganic mulch offers these advantages, it may not provide the same nutrient benefits as organic mulch.
- Gravel – This is decorative and perfect for plants that are drought tolerant and around alpine and rock plants.
- Stone chips and coarse grit – These are great for mulching the small plants like succulents or alpines in terra-cotta pots or raised beds.
- Pebbles and cobbles – They’re attractive for most settings, particularly around the water features.
- Geo-textile membranes – This mulch is really useful around shrubs and trees that are newly planted and helps with suppress weeds and retain moisture.
- Plastic Sheeting – You can lay this around new shrubs and trees and it’s very useful around newly planted trees and shrubs. You can use some type of camouflaging mulch over top of it to disguise it and help with suppressing weeds.
Think about the types of plants you have and the type of garden. Then think about the different types of mulch, so you can find the one that is right for your needs.
Have more questions?
If you have more questions about how we can satisfy your gardening needs, feel free to check out our website, or give us a call at 941-875-3559. We take pride in our gardening expertise, and our goal is to make your lawn look the best it can be, so don’t hesitate to call for our services today!
