Why Mulch in Gardens is Important

Smart gardeners improve their soil and weed control with organic mulch

Posted on January 24, 2018 by Rebecca Finneran , Rebecca Krans and Nate Walton, Michigan State University Extension Mulch can be utilized in nearly every garden setting. From a robust vegetable garden to ornamental landscape beds, preventing seeds from germinating is the best defense against a weedy garden.

 From article, (Mulch can be utilized in nearly every garden setting. From a robust vegetable garden to ornamental landscape beds, preventing seeds from germinating is the best defense against a weedy garden. Mulch will smother annual weed seeds and reduce or eliminate cultivation, hand weeding and chemical weed control while contributing beneficial organic matter.

A blanket of mulch helps regulate soil temperatures and slow moisture losses to create the perfect environment for plant roots. Additionally, organic mulches break down over time. Increased organic matter aids the soil’s ability to retain plant nutrients such as potassium, magnesium, calcium and iron. Mulches applied near planting beds and trees have the added benefit of decreasing mechanical damage from lawn mowers and string trimmers.

An MSU study demonstrated that organic mulch regulates soil temperatures by as much as 18 degrees at mid-day, which allows moisture levels to remain more consistent and diminishes moisture losses. A caution, though: Mulching may decrease the need for watering, but does not replace it.

Another important benefit of mulch is to protect vegetable plants from disease infection. Soil harbors disease spores that can splash up on the plant when it rains or during overhead irrigation. Covering the soil with mulch prevents these spores from reaching your plants, breaking the disease cycle and allowing your plants to produce healthier foliage and fruit.)

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