What it means to have healthy soil, might depend on who you
ask. For instance, a farmer might say that healthy soil will retain water and
provide crops with the nutrients they might need. These are not technically
wrong answers; however, they are more incomplete than they are correct. There are
a lot of things that determine the health of soil and this article will help
explain what they are, in addition to explaining what they mean.
Indicators of soil health
There are a few different ways to determine if soil is
healthy or not, some indicators are more scientific like testing the pH of the soil,
but we will not talk about those more complex indicators here. Instead we will
focus on the simpler indicators of soil health. The first being whether there
is anything growing in it already, chances are if there is lots of green
vegetation already growing in it the soil is fairly healthy. Another indicator
that is easy to determine is if there are earthworms living in it, the more
that live in it the better too. Earthworms play a very important role because
they do a few different things for soil. One thing they do is that they help
decompose organic matter like dead leaves and turn that into fresh healthy
black soil. In addition to being an important decomposer within the soil, they
also provide oxygenation to the soil by burrowing through it. This is important
because if there is no oxygen contained within the soil, nothing will be able
to grow because that is an important nutrient for just about every living
thing. One more indicator of healthy soil, is that there is a plethora of other
organisms living within the first few inches of soil. If there is a lack of
other things living there it usually means not all the nutrients necessary for
life are present.
Environmental benefits of healthy soil
There are quite a few benefits that healthy soil will
provide for the environment. There are 5 functions soil provides that are
essential to the health of an ecosystem, whether it be a garden in your
backyard or a forest far away from your home, it still does these 5 basic
functions.
Regulating water
Healthy soil will help control where any water in the environment will go. Whether it is rain, snow that has melted, or water from your garden hose it plays a large role in whether water pools up or runs off to another area.
Cycle nutrients
Just to name a few nutrients that are stored within the soil there is nitrogen, carbon, and phosphorus. These are all very important for the growth of any plants which form the base of most food chains, so it is vital that the soil can provide these nutrients to anything growing in it.
Sustain animal and plant life
This one is fairly self-explanatory, healthy soil is necessary for just about anything to live or grow in it. If there are not the proper conditions, nothing will grow or be able to live in it.
Support and physical stability
Healthy soil will provide anything growing in it, like grass, a place to anchor their roots in order to grow vertically. If the soil is loose or not packed somewhat tightly, nothing will be able to root itself properly within the soil and will be unable to sustain its structure in the lightest wind gusts.
Protection and filtration of pollutants
Arguably one of the more important functions of healthy soil is that it can filter out, detoxify, or degrade harmful pollutants. It also keeps them from reaching underground water, called aquifers, which is obviously important to humans because we use a lot of groundwater.
Did you know that bee populations worldwide have been in
decline in recent years? Did you know that about 30% of the crops grown
throughout the globe require cross pollination, provided by bees, to thrive and
prosper? These are just a few simple reasons that show why bee habitat is
important, without bee habitat where would the bees go? Bees play a vital role
in the health of the world as an ecosystem, because they provide the necessary
cross pollination for many species of plants to thrive. Without bees we would
lose an extremely vital aspect of the food chain, that aspect being the base of
it in the plants that bees help to spread and grow. Without these plants at the
bottom of the food chain, everything above it would collapse because they would
eventually have no food to eat; that would also include humans. So, just how
important is bee habitat you might ask? Bee habitat is an extremely vital part
of the planet and we must do everything we can to stop the decline of the
global bee populations. The easiest and likely fastest way to do this is to do
your part by building a habitat for bees in whatever space is available.
Step 1 pick bee friendly flowers
Did you know that bees are attracted to certain flowers more
than others? In order to improve bee habitat in your yard, or balcony, or
wherever you might live it is important to consider what kind of flowers that
get planted in order to attract more bees! A few examples of good flowers to
plant to attract bees are aster, sunflowers, foxglove, cornflowers, bluebells,
cosmos, or goldenrod. When picking what to plant, make sure the flowers you
choose are able to bloom for a long time; if it is possible pick flowers that
bloom more than one season every year as well.
Another important thing to consider when picking flowers to
plant for bees, is what climate and gardening zone you live in. For instance,
you would not want to plant a flower that is native to Florida if you live in
Minnesota. The more you stick to native plants the better they will survive and
more importantly reproduce so your flower garden will not have to be constantly
replanted.
One more thing to consider when planting flowers to attract
bees, is that they are drawn to brightly colored flowers from a distance. Even
though they may not be the “ideal” flowers for them to pollinate it will help
draw them in so they can explore the other flowers in the garden.
Step 2 plant herbs and vegetables
Just like humans, bees like vegetables and herbs too! The
easiest way to add some flare to your bee habitat improvement project is to add
a small herb garden next to the flower garden part of your bee habitat. A few
herbs to consider planting in this garden are oregano, rosemary, mint, or
lavender. The reasoning behind planting an herb garden is to give the bees
another area to pollinate. It also will not take up very much space so just in
case you have a limited space to work with already this small herb garden will
only improve the bee habitat. In addition to the bees using your new herb
garden, you will be able to periodically have fresh herbs to use in your own
kitchen!
Step 3 leave out some water
This might seem a little silly but when making a garden for
bees consider adding a bee sized bird bath. Bees need water just like every
other animal out there so putting out a few small dishes of water will help the
bees survive and potentially colonize the area. Obviously, a colony is what you
are aiming to establish so anything that helps them stay in the area will
encourage a colony to form.
Step 4 make your own bee habitat
There are quite a few different ways that this can be done.
The simplest way to make some habitat for bees is to ensure there is at least
some bare ground space within the garden and add some small piles of sticks for
them to hide within. If you are feeling craftier consider designing a bird
house, except with a hole or holes too small for any bird to get into. If you
are unable to make a small hole in it, an easy fix is to cover it with chicken
wire that will let bees in and out but keep anything else out.
Composting food scraps and garden debris is one of the easiest sustainable practices you can take on. And your reward is rich, nutritious soil you can use in your garden and patio pots! You don’t fancy equipment or a lot of space and within one season, you can “grow” a large, usable amount of compost soil. Best of all, you create a cycle of sustainability in your garden. This article will teach how to start a compost pile, how to feed it, and how to maintain it through the season.
The Basics of Composting
Creating composted soil depends on decomposition and decay of organic materials. Each compost pile is a balance of browns (dry material such as fall leaves or wood shavings) and greens (such as produce scraps or grass clippings). Too much of either and the balance is thrown off (you’ll know right away because it will look and smell funny). In this mixture, will be active bacteria, worms, and insects with a little heat thrown in. Together they break each piece down into nutrient-dense, organic material that plants absolutely thrive in.
You cannot put meat, dairy or processed foods (like bread) in your compost pile as it will upset this balance (and attract unwanted critters). You can, however, sparingly add coffee grounds, eggshells, or ashes. Again, the smell and feel will tell you right away if there’s too much of one thing. (We cover this in detail in another blog post, “Compost Troubleshooting” here.)
Where to Locate Your Compost Pile
Compost piles need heat to work so choose a spot that gets lots of sunshine and (if using a barrel), choose a dark color that will absorb the heat. Don’t choose a location too far away from where you normally work outside or is hard to access in the winter. But you also don’t want it close to any neighbors who may not appreciate the process. It is decaying material and not the most beautiful part of gardening!
Types of Compost Containers
There are two common compost set-ups: a closed bin or barrel or an open, fenced in area that sits on the ground. This allows beneficial insects and worms easier access but can be unsightly. A bin or barrel is more practical in cases with limited yard space or where keeping the pile completely contained is necessary.
An open bin style works well on larger properties with lots of compost material. As shown in the photo, you can even create a multi-step system where new material goes into one bin and then is moved through each new bin as it decomposes. An open system is more susceptible to critters and should be covered to avoid too much moisture.
Choosing which type of storage is really based on personal preference and location. When done correctly, a compost pile will not smell bad but it can attract critters (if left open). For urban and residential properties, most people choose a closed container such as a large plastic tub or a barrel on a stand. This method also limits the quantity of compost produced and it is unwieldly to get the finished product out.
DIY Compost Bins
You can build your own compost pile by installing a three-walled enclosure built as you would a fence. This structure uses bare ground as its floor and the opening allows you to turn the compost with a rake or shovel. The drawback with this method is it will attract critters when you drop in fresh kitchen scraps.
For enclosed barrels, choose a large garbage can or barrel with a removable lid. Poke holes along the sides, bottom, and lid so air can move through and water can get in and drain out. Many large home stores and online retailers also offer premade compost barrels – some on a stand with a hand crank so you can easily give it a turn each day.
What to Add to Your Compost Pile
Start with twigs, straw, ash, hay, or another dry/brown material as your foundation. This allows the bottom of the pile to have more aeration and not become a slimy mess at the bottom. Your first layer, and every other layer thereafter should have a healthy dose of loose, dry, brown debris. Avoid large sticks, branches, or logs, as they can slow down the process. Larger things are harder to compost so be sure to break them down into smaller pieces before adding them.
Add produce scraps, grass clippings, and plant debris but do not add meat, dairy, or oily and processed foods. Avoid using too many onions or citrus peels. They break down slowly and can kill off beneficial insects. Using kitchen scraps is a great way to reduce your indoor garbage and utilize things you would otherwise throw away. Keep a container with a tight-fitting lid in the kitchen where you store scraps until you’re ready to add it to your pile.
Any green plant matter can also be added but avoid adding weeds or leaves from diseases plants (such as tomato blight). These will remain in the finished compost and spread new weeds or disease when you use it next season.
Animal waste, or manure, is also a form of green compost. Avoid using dog or cat waste in gardens for crops meant for consumption. Their waste contains microorganisms that aren’t ideal for a healthy garden, especially ones growing food. For those of us that have fish, tank water is an excellent resource to use for your pile! Tank water is rich in nitrogen and phosphorus, both of which are important to maintaining your pile’s carbon cycle. Just be sure not to use too much water, as this can cause your compost to become overly soggy. Store excess in gallon jugs to use later!
Other excellent choices for the inclusion of animal waste are chicken, cow, horse, sheep and goat waste. Unless any of the animals are being medicated (aside from vaccinations), their waste is completely safe to use! Medications like antibiotics can be passed through the waste and into the crops. If the animals are sick, and/or on medication, avoid using their waste until they are healthy.
Brown scraps are usually found outside in the yard. Fallen leaves, dried grass clippings, chicken bedding, or small twigs. These materials are also the ideal foundation for your outdoor pile!
Maintaining Your Compost Pile
Having a good ratio of green scraps and brown scraps is the key to a successful compost. 50% green to 50% brown is a good ratio of each, and if layered correctly, there won’t be much maintenance. Composting, for the most part, will take care of itself. Checking on it occasionally and turning it with a pitch fork or shovel is about all that needs to be done to the pile – typically after adding scraps or at least twice per month. If the pile becomes overly soggy or starts to have a foul odor, toss in some brown scraps, make sure it gets mixed well and has plenty of aeration.
A healthy pile will stay at an average temperature of 150 degrees. This keeps things moving, including insects and microbes that all work together to help along the nitrogen cycle. Towards the end of the process, it will have cooled down significantly. If it’s cold out, the temperature will most likely be much lower depending on the size of your set up.
Once the compost turns a rich brown color and has an earthy smell, it’s ready to use! By this stage, everything you put in the pile should be completely broken down and unrecognizable. The pile will also have cooled down in temperature. Just scoop it out and mix it into your existing garden beds with a fork or shovel.
Composting in Winter
If you have a pile that isn’t finished and winter is nearing, don’t worry. Worst case scenario, the process is slowed down. Keep your compost taller and wider if you’re banking to keep your pile going during the winter. This will allow for the organisms breaking your compost down to stay alive and thrive in the winter months. If you live in an area that gets extremely cold during the winter, be sure to start it in a place where it stays sunny most of the day, and expect the process to be a bit slower.
Maintaining compost isn’t a difficult process and anyone can do it. It is an excellent addition to the garden, will yield beautiful crops, and is an awesome way to sustain the garden season after season!
To decide what kind of garden design is best for the space
you have, first you will have to learn about the different options for a garden
layout. There are quite a few different design plans out there, some are
simpler than others however and those might be best for a beginner. It also
makes a difference if the garden will be used for vegetables or flowers.
The first of these simple designs is for a vegetable garden.
It is just an open patch of soil, in any shape that the area has the space for.
It can be anywhere from just a few feet long to a hundred feet long if there is
space available. If the area the garden is in is frequented by lots of animals
like deer or rabbits, consider adding a fence made of mesh or chicken wire that
is 5 or 6 feet high to keep your plants from getting eaten by those pesky
critters. If you want to add a fence just find some pieces of wood to use as
posts in each corner. Then take the mesh and staple it to the posts. A helpful
tip for doing this would be to have 1 extra post than there are corners, that
way you can make an easy access gate. To make the gate just put the extra post
next to the final corner post, attach the mesh to the extra post but not to the
first post the mesh is already attached to. This way the extra post can be
taken in and out of its place in the corner for easy access to the garden by
humans but not deer or rabbits.
The next design for a vegetable garden but someone might
choose to make it a flower garden too. This design would be a raised be and there
are a few different ways to make a raised bed. You can either use stones or
boards to make the outline of your raised bed. After you have decided on the
shape, start building your outline for your raised bed. After this step is
complete, make sure to line the entire structure with landscaping fabric. You
can obtain a roll of this at just about any store that sells garden equipment
or find some online at a place like amazon. This is an important step, because
it will not only keep weeds from growing within the bed it will also ensure the
water will drain out and the soil will stay in the bed. Once the bed is lined
with landscaping fabric, add your soil. To ensure healthy and quick plant
growth, it would be beneficial to find some high-quality black soil. It also would
not hurt to add in a bag or two of potting soil on top and then till into the
soil, depending on the size of your layout and the size of the bag of potting
soil this can vary.
Back yard landscaping
Depending upon the space available in your yard, it might
make more sense to incorporate both garden designs explained above. There are
lots of different ways to add landscaping designs to a yard, and gardens are
one of the easier projects to do that can help lower a grocery bill along with
a healthier lifestyle. In addition to adding a garden to a backyard, consider
adding a stone walkway through the yard that leads to the garden. This will add
to the curb appeal of your house and can also improve the value if you were to
sell your house in the future.
Front yard landscaping
If there is not room in the front yard for a large vegetable
garden, consider adding a few small flower beds. There are lots of ways to make
your property more beautiful, and flower beds will quickly and easily do this.
When deciding what kind of flower bed or beds to install, consider how many you
plan on adding in total. Also consider whether to all put them on the same
level, an example of them being on the same level would be two flower beds both
on the ground; one by the sidewalk and another below a window. One of the
better ways to add to the appearance of your home, would be to have flower beds
at different eye levels. For example, one along the sidewalk, a raised bed as
you come closer to the house, and small hanging bed from the windowsill.
Another good way to add to the look of your home, is to consider adding some
shrubs. These will not only look nice, but depending on what kind of shrub and
where they are planted can also give your front yard some nice shade to relax
in.
It is pretty likely you have heard but the populations of a lot of common pollinators are in decline. Bee populations are in decline globally which is something that needs to be fixed. Some other pollinators, less important than bees but still important, like Monarch butterflies have seen a 90% drop in their population over the last 20 years or so.
The main reasons that pollinator populations are in decline is because of increased use of pesticides (insect killers) and herbicides (weed killers) accompanied by an ever-increasing destruction of habitat due to urban sprawl and agricultural development. The loss of habitat is a serious blow to pollinator’s abilities to nest, feed, and shelter but the increased use of pesticides and herbicides in both rural and urban settings has taken an already bad situation and made it much worse. Where bees, butterflies, and other pollinators lived is now mostly urban developments or corn fields.
Combating these potentially devastating losses requires a combination of multiple methods.
Education. Learn more about it and teach those around you. Demonstrate to your community how to grow a pollinator-friendly garden.
Practice what you preach. Stop using pesticides or herbicides in your own garden. Let native flowers and grasses grow to support pollinators (hint: big expanses of green lawn do not help many creatures!)
Talk to your local government. Be the voice of the pollinators and encourage your local officials to stop using chemicals and to not mow flowers or grasses until after the nesting season. This especially applies to rural ditches and buffer strips.
Summer meadow with butterfly at sunset.
How a pollinator garden benefits your yard or other gardens
Aside from the wonderful aesthetic a pollinator garden can add to the area you call home, it will also provide lots of benefits to any flower or vegetable gardens in your landscape. Having a pollinator garden will attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators to the area and help the growth of a vegetable of a flower garden by accelerating the rate of pollination in the garden. Spend a few minutes watching the bees in your garden and you’ll soon learn they do a lot of work for us!
In addition to the benefits to a garden, there can also be a financial incentive opportunity depending on the state you reside in. There are a few states within the US that are exploring programs that would pay residents to establish bee habitat, which a pollinator garden would potentially qualify as depending on size and state regulations.
You may be wondering what this new word your friends all are
talking about it, greywater. Essentially greywater is just about any kind of
water that you use in your house, after it has been used for something. There
are a few exceptions however, those being any water that comes into contact
with human waste. So, in other words, the water you flush down your toilet
would not be considered greywater. But other things like water from your
shower, sink, dishwasher, or laundry machine would all be considered greywater.
One exception to those would be if you wash dirty diapers in your laundry
machine however.
How to collect greywater
The best way to collect greywater from all these sources is
to simply just have the plumbing system direct water to a holding tank, this
will also work best if you can avoid the use of pumps to help save on
electrical costs you already have in your home. There are some instances where
you would not have to change your plumbing system at all to collect it however,
there are washing machines available that have a drain that would direct all the
water into a barrel or tank of some sort. You can then use this greywater as
you please, assuming it is not being used for cooking or drinking because it
will have soap residue in it. The water you collect may not look “clean”, but
it is clean enough to use for lawn irrigation or other outdoor activities like
gardening.
How to use the greywater you collect
The greywater you collect within your house unfortunately
cannot be used for many indoor activities because it is not safe for
consumption because of chemical residues. However, it is a perfectly safe
alternative to use as water in a toilet, which is one of the top uses of water
in every home. And of course, the less “new water” you use in your home, the
more money you will save on your energy and water bills every month!
Most people that use greywater will use it to water either
their lawn or gardens in their yards. However, there are a few things to
remember when using greywater in your garden or lawn. The most important one,
is to not store greywater for more than a day because the residues within it
will start to break down and will likely lead to an unpleasant odor. Another
thing to consider when using greywater outside, is that you do not want to use
it in an area where it will pool up, that can lead to all sorts of problems
such as a mosquito breeding habitat!
Helpful greywater tips
You also should consider using environmentally friendly
soaps in your home that are low in chlorine, salts, and boron, because those
will clog up pores in the soil and not let the water soak in as much over time.
Using these kinds of soaps and detergents in your home will ensure the
greywater you collect will not have chemicals in it that will reduce the health
of your lawn and garden. It is really important to consider what chemicals you
use in your house if you decide to install a greywater system, because not
using environmentally friendly cleaning products can harm things you use
greywater on. Keep in mind that greywater is a great way to reduce your water
usage, but you need to be mindful of what is going into your greywater
collection system.
Did you know that only 3% of water on the entire earth is
freshwater? An even crazier fact is that only 0.5% of that is available for us
to use as drinking water. The other 2.5% is locked up in ice caps or frost deep
underground, so we must really be conservative when it comes to how much and
how often we use water. One of the largest benefits of conserving water,
whether it be indoor habits or during outdoor activities, is that you will use
less energy. Obviously, the less energy you use the less your bills will be,
not to mention the fact you will be helping save the planet! Practicing
sustainable water usage is so very important, and once you learn the tips and
tricks to help conserve water it is very simple to do.
Helpful tips for indoor water conservation
Conserving water might seem like a big task to accomplish
considering how important it is, but it truly is really simple. Here are some
tips to help you conserve water indoors during everyday activities. When you
are brushing your teeth or washing your hands, turn the faucet off when you
aren’t putting your toothbrush or hands in the water. You can also buy a
low-flow attachment for your shower, which is a great way to reduce the gallons
of water that would normally be wasted during shower time. Another bathroom tip
to conserve water would be to invest in a low flow or dual flush toilet, these
can either be bought as a conversion kit or a standalone product to replace
your old toilet.
Fun facts about water conservation
You would be amazed at all the water you can conserve
indoors with these simple changes to your everyday indoor habits! Just to put
it into perspective, the average American household uses around 170 gallons of
water per day, while a country like Australia only uses about 36 gallons per day!
For instance, if the metro area of Atlanta, GA embraced efficient water use and
conservation techniques they would save up to 700 million dollars, or in terms
of gallons around 150 million gallons!
Helpful tips for outdoor water conservation
Similarly, to the tips for indoor water conservation, tips
to conserve water outdoors are also very simple! One thing you can do to
drastically reduce the amount of water you use from a well or city system, is
to make your own rain barrel. If you are not sure what that is or how to do it,
you are in luck because we have an entire article dedicated to rain barrels!
Another big tip to conserve water outside is to not
excessively water your lawn, especially if it is during the peak season for
rainfall. Another helpful tip for outdoor water conservation, is to water your
garden or lawn early in the morning when it is cooler. The cooler it is
outside, the less of the water you use will evaporate and will have a better
chance to do what you put it there to do! After all, if you knew most of the
water you were using in your garden just evaporated why water it at all in the
first place?
Like mulching just about anywhere else, it will provide a host of benefits to your trees. One benefit is that it will decompose over time and release nutrients into the soil that will help the tree grow. Aside from providing nutrients, it will also keep the soil warm and moist which is also beneficial to a growing tree. The reason you want to keep the soil warmer, is partially so it will help the soil retain more moisture. Assuming water is not pooling up excessively around the base of the tree, it will not harm the tree to have some extra moisture in the soil.
Mulching around a growing tree creates somewhat of a microclimate in the area that you spread mulch and can make a big difference in the overall health of the tree. Another important benefit mulch will provide is that it will not allow any weeds to grow around the base of the tree. This is important for the growth of a tree, especially a young one, because roots of weeds will potentially outcompete the roots of the tree for water and nutrients causing the tree to not grow like it would without the presence of weeds.
How to mulch around trees
First spread it at least four or five inches thick, in a circle all the way around the tree. Start from the base of the trunk and go outwards at least a foot or two. After spreading the mulch out to this standard, you will want to scrape it away from the base of the tree (at least 6 inches). If it is too close it can cause the trunk to rot. This will quickly kill a young tree. Check on it once in awhile to make sure wind or rain has not caused the mulch to shift and be pushed against the trunk.
What kind of mulch to use
When considering what kind of mulch to use around the base of a tree, there are a few things to consider. One of the more important factors is whether or not you use an organic material. There are some plastic mulches out there that look like wood chips so make sure you are using real wood chips if you want the added benefits of an organic material. As previously mentioned, organic materials provide a few extra benefits that non-organic mulches do not, so I would highly recommend using a mulch such as wood chips. They will last a long time, and you will not have to constantly replenish them like you would if you chose to use grass clippings as opposed to wood chips.
There are quiet a few benefits of mulching with grass
clippings, one of which is that you will no longer have to worry about
disposing of them if you usually do. Aside from that, they also provide a good
source of nitrogen and potassium for whatever you choose to mulch. Another good
benefit they provide is that they will suppress the growth of weeds wherever
you choose to use it as mulch. In addition to all these great benefits for your
garden, they will also make a good place for toads to hide so they can eat any
pests that might otherwise eat plants in your garden.
Where to use grass clippings as mulch
You can use grass clippings as mulch just about anywhere,
that being said you will need to pay attention to how thick you are spreading
them. If they are too thick, they will potentially turn into a slimy mat of
half decomposed grass instead of decomposing and releasing their nutrients. If
you use them in your garden, make sure to spread them just thin enough to cover
the dirt but not thick enough to where you cannot see through them.
You can also use grass clippings as mulch for your yard, it
will help your grass grow thicker and potentially greener. When using grass
clippings as mulch in your yard, you will want to spread them thin enough where
they are not very visible within the grass that is living.
You can also use grass clippings as mulch in a flower bed
and apply them similarly to how you would for a vegetable garden. In addition
to all of this you can use grass clippings as mulch around younger trees to
improve their source of nitrogen. The most important aspect of using grass
clippings as mulch is to make sure you remember to not spread them very thick,
that is the number one way to hurt your plants as opposed to helping them.
Aside from the nutritional benefits mulch can potentially
provide to plants in your garden, a big benefit is the suppression of weed
growth. If you apply just a few inches of mulch to your garden after your
vegetables have grown a little bit, it will prevent weeds from sprouting up and
stealing nutrients from your vegetables. Another benefit of using mulch in your
garden, is that it will help the soil stay moist and prevent excess water
evaporation that would normally occur without using mulch. Assuming you are
using a mulch made of organic material, such as compost or grass clippings, it
will break down over time and release nutrients to help maintain the health of
your soil.
Mulching with grass clippings
You can use your grass clippings from mowing your lawn,
provided you do not chemically treat your lawn, in your garden for a multitude
of benefits. If you spread a thin layer of grass clippings in your garden, it
will break down over time and release the nitrogen and potassium it holds into
the soil. In addition to adding nutrients, it will also attract animals like
toads. They like to hide within the grass clippings and will help them be more
prevalent in your garden than they were before. These animals will also benefit
your garden by helping control pests like slugs and insects that would normally
turn your vegetables into food for themselves instead of food for you! These
are just a few reasons to use grass clippings as mulch in your garden, and once
you do it hopefully you will quickly notice all the benefits that using grass
as mulch can provide to your plants.
Mulching with compost
Unlike grass clippings as mulch, using compost as mulch will
help suppress the growth of weeds in your garden. To use compost as mulch in
your garden, it is best to till some into the soil at the beginning of your
planting season. You will also want to add a layer that is a few inches thick
once your garden is established. This will help the soil stay warm and moist,
it will also provide a continuous source of organic material that releases
plenty of nutrients for growing vegetables. Mulching with compost, is arguable
the most effective kind of mulching you can do in a garden. The various
benefits it provides outnumber just about every other kind of medium you might
consider using as mulch in your garden.
Mulching with wood chips
Similar to using compost, wood chips will help your garden
stay free of weeds that steal nutrients and sunlight from your vegetables. They
will also decompose over time and release organic nutrients that will help your
plants grow better. However, if this is a benefit you are looking to have in
your garden, you will be much better off using compost instead of woodchips.
The compost will release much more beneficial nutrients when compared to using
wood chips as mulch. Maintaining healthy and moist soil is one of the most
important things for a vegetable garden to produce vegetables that are
plentiful and large, so using mulch that is made of an organic material like
wood chips will not hurt. Provided you do not spread them too thick, only a few
inches is necessary, your plants will thank you for helping them grow big and
strong!
