10 Gardening Tips For Using The Right Mulch For Your Plants

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00:0010 gardening tips for using the right mulch for your plants.

00:04Choose mulch based on native plant preferences. Mimic native habitats. Use leaf mulch for oaks.

00:11Avoid foreign materials disrupting fungi. Match mulch to ecosystem. Avoid mulch volcanoes around

00:18tree and shrub trunks. Keep mulch 2 to 4 inches deep, donut shaped, away from bark to prevent rot,

00:26pests, and poor airflow. Be mindful of nitrogen tie-up with fresh wood chips. Fresh chips immobilize

00:33nitrogen. Age 6 months or add composted manure or fertilizer to protect vegetables from deficiency.

00:40Use mulches that promote beneficial microbial activity. Choose compost, shredded leaves,

00:46or well-rotted manure to fuel microbes and worms, improving soil structure and fertility.

00:53Consider mulch that prevents soil erosion and runoff. On slopes, use weed-free straw or pine straw to

01:01stabilize soil, reduce runoff, and suit acid-loving plants. Match mulch composition to soil pH requirements.

01:10Pine needles acidify for rhododendrons. Hardwood ash can raise pH. Apply sparingly and test soil

01:16regularly to avoid imbalances. Keep mulch depth appropriate for plant types. Use 2 to 3 inches

01:24for perennials. Thinner for seedlings. 3 to 4 inches for established shrubs, avoiding crown rot. Watch for

01:31mulches that harbor pests or diseases. Damp mulches can shelter slugs and fungi. Avoid cocoa holes around pets.

01:39Choose aged bark or straw instead. Replenish mulch at the right time of year. In cold zones,

01:46top up in spring after thaw to deter voles. In warm zones, mulch late fall. Consider using living mulch

01:55or cover crops. Sow clover or buckwheat to suppress weeds, boost fertility, attract beneficial insects,

02:02and provide residue as mulch.