Hidden Facts About Ground Cover Mulch You Should Know About
When it comes to gardening, mulch is one of those topics that always seems to come up. Whether you're talking to a gardener who has been caring for gardens and landscapes for years or someone who's just getting started, you've probably heard that using organic mulch is essential for maintaining a healthy garden
But have you heard about ground cover mulch? If not, worry not; we will discuss that in this blog, so stay connected.
What is Ground Cover Mulch?
Ground cover mulch is a bit different from traditional mulch, which is typically made from dead organic or inorganic materials like bark or compost. Instead, ground cover mulch refers to living plants that spread across the soil's surface, forming a protective layer. These fast-growing, low-lying plants serve many of the same purposes as regular mulch—like retaining moisture and suppressing weeds—but with added benefits.
Types of ground cover mulch:
Living Ground Cover: Plants that grow alongside your garden crops, enhancing the overall health of your garden. Examples of living ground covers include violets, creeping thyme, clover, and certain grasses. These plants are sometimes referred to as "living mulches" because they grow continuously, providing protection and nutrients to the soil while coexisting with other plants.
Organic Ground Cover Mulch: Natural materials like shredded leaves, bark, or agricultural waste. These materials decompose over time, adding nutrients to the soil and improving its water retention. Examples include bark chips, grass clippings, wheat straw, plant leaves, compost, rice hulls, and sawdust. Organic mulches work similarly to living plants by protecting the soil and improving its health, but they also break down and enrich the soil over time.
Regardless of whether you're using living ground cover or organic mulches like chipped wood, these options offer a variety of benefits for your garden.
Facts About Ground Cover Mulch
Ground cover mulch is an innovative gardening solution that goes beyond traditional mulching techniques. It's not just about adding a protective layer to the soil; it involves using living plants to provide long-term benefits for your garden. Here are some key facts about ground cover mulch that make it a standout choice for garden enthusiasts:
It’s a Living Mulch: Unlike traditional mulch made from dead organic materials like wood chips or leaves, ground cover mulch uses living plants. These plants grow and spread around the plant, providing continuous protection from heat and retain the soil nutrients.
Weed Suppression: Now, a question may arise in your mind: Why is weed bad for plants, and why are ground cover plants good?
Well, no doubt weeds are also naturally grown, but they compete with the plant and absorb the essential nutrients that plants would have used for growth.
Alternatively, Ground cover plants are intentionally chosen for their desirable qualities, such as their ability to prevent erosion, conserve moisture, and enhance the aesthetic appeal of a garden.
This makes ground cover mulch an excellent natural solution for keeping weeds at bay.
Moisture Retention: Like traditional mulch, ground cover plants help conserve soil moisture by reducing evaporation. The living mulch keeps the soil cooler and retains water, reducing the need for frequent watering.
Improves Soil Health: As ground cover plants grow and decay, they naturally enrich the soil with organic matter. This improves soil structure and adds vital nutrients, enhancing the overall health of your garden.
Bottom Line:
Water is not all your garden requires, if you want your plants to flourish at their fullest, start using organic mulch in your bathroom.
While ground cover plants can be beneficial, some people find them messy or less appealing compared to other plants, as they may diminish the beauty of their flowers. However, an organic alternative is available: pine bark or cottage mulch."
Contact our experts for more details regarding the mulch that suits your yard better.