Before it gets too hot, consider applying some fresh mulch to your flower beds. Trust me, this is a task that you won’t want to do in July or August. If you’re not sure why you should use mulch, or which kind you should use, then this is for you!
Not only is mulch aesthetically pleasing, but it is beneficial to your plants, and to yourself! Using mulch helps keep the weeds down. So, you’ll save time and back breaking work pulling up weeds. It helps reduce soil erosion, and with our heavy rain showers, that’s an important one. Mulch helps the soil in your beds to retain moisture. In the summer, when it’s pushing 100 degrees, your plants will be glad that they have a thick layer of mulch around them. And lastly, mulch will break down into organic matter, enriching the soil and creating more available nutrients for your plants. That rich organic matter also encourages earthworms and other beneficial insects to live in the soil.
Are you convinced that you should use mulch? Great, now, which kind should you use? Here are the most popular ones to choose from.
Pine Straw Mulch is very common in Louisiana. It is a premium mulch that doesn’t wash away when it rains. That is a number one reason why it is used so often. It also breaks down very consistently, enriching the soil, and indicating that it is time for a refresh. When using pine straw mulch, expect to freshen it up at least twice a year.
I call Pine Bark Mulch the “bargain mulch.” While it does break down nicely into the soil, it floats when it rains. One big rainstorm, and half of your mulch could be down the drain. You’ll need to replenish this mulch at least twice a year. However, it is not a bad idea to use it in a raised garden bed, because at the end of the season, you can till any remaining mulch into the soil.
Hardwood Mulch is a very generic term. It’s not purely Pine Bark mulch, but it can contain some amounts of it. Depending on the brand, it will be a blend of different scarp wood and bark. I consider this type of mulch a step up from Pine Bark mulch because it doesn’t float away as easily as Pine Bark. And you’ll be able to find it in different colors, depending on how you want it to compliment your home and landscape. Shades of black, brown, red, and natural are the most common. You’ll only need to replenish this type of mulch twice a year. Once in the spring and fall should suffice.
Wood Straw Mulch is the best of the best! One of the only brands you’ll find in this category is “Softscape”. It is made from shredded wood, and has all the benefits of pine straw, yet is longer lasting. It won’t float away in the rain and not only does the color not fade as quickly; the “straws” of wood hold up much longer than pine straw straws. You’ll pay a premium price for it, but you will only have to top it off about once a year.
Happy Mulching, and Happy Spring!
Written by John MacMillan
