Types of Mulch Explained

Mulch is an essential part of gardening; not only does it slow down the loss of moisture from the soil, but it is also great for preventing weed growth. To get the best results, we need to select the best material for the job we need. There are many different types of mulch; with many inorganic and organic mulches, you can line your garden beds with a host of materials. 

Keeping the essential nutrients needed for your flower garden and veg patch to thrive is key to enjoying bountiful harvests. Join us as we dive into the different types of organic mulch you can use in your garden beds today.

What Is Organic Mulch

Organic mulch is more widely used in gardens than inorganic mulch, as it is easier to acquire and better for the environment as it breaks down over time. Organic mulches are materials that come from living things like plants. There are types of mulch that are better than others for specific uses but most will have a positive impact on your garden wherever you plan to use them. 

The Different Types of Mulch

There are many different types of organic mulch that you can choose from, with each of them having their own uses.

Straw mulches

Straw-based mulches include hay and lupin; being high in nitrogen, they are one of the best mulches for water retention. The downside to using straws is that they are an expensive mulch to buy and break down quickly, which whilst great for getting nitrogen into the soil will need replacing consistently. 

Bark and wood chippings</h3>

Fresh wood chips and bark from native trees are perfect for garden beds filled with Australian native seeds. While they are perfect for flower gardens, they are not recommended for beds with vegetable seeds and fruit seeds as they leech nitrogen out of the soil and deposit sap, resins, and tannins, which are not good for edibles. 

Sugar cane

Sugar cane is a long-term mulch solution, taking around a year to break down fully. Sugar cane is a good mulch for edible produce due to its high water retention and improves the soil quality once broken down. It also looks great for weed suppression; however, it can be easily blown away by wind when dry.

Garden mulch

Garden mulch is the cheapest and easiest to source, as you simply need to scour your garden for leaves, grass clippings, and other organic matter. Available at no cost from around your garden or from local services. These organic mulches can help suppress weeds and retain moisture while adding organic matter to the soil as they break down. The issue with garden mulch is that there is little consistency in the quality of the mulch, and it is much more likely to contain pests, diseases, and weed seeds. 

Mulches to avoid

Pebbles and rocks, whilst they may look pretty, are not advisable as mulch as they can heat up your soil, killing worms and microorganisms in your soil. Pebbles can also get rather tricky to keep looking neat if fallen leaves or debris accumulate on them, and they can become a weapon if you hit a stray rock with the mower! Keep them for decorative indoor pot plants only!

The Best Type of Mulch for Your Garden

While there is no clear best mulch, you can find organic mulches more suited to vegetable patches or flower gardens. Each mulch will have its own benefits and drawbacks, so it will be up to you to decide which one best suits your garden.