If you’re part of a landscaping company or simply creating your own personal garden, then it may be important to learn about the different variations of mulch and how to use it, especially if you live in a hot, dry climate where water saving is key. Knowing this before starting to make a list of everything you need for your landscape supply will help you to make informed decisions.
What Is Mulch?
Mulch is made from inorganic and organic material to decrease the rate of water evaporation and reduce the need for you to be using water unnecessarily; which can be a priority if your state has water restrictions.
Mulch can be also used to stop the spread of weeds. After layering it, it will deter weeds in the future from rising, which will keep your plants safe.
Different Types of Mulch
Mulch can come in different colors such as white, brown, red and black and is often made from inorganic and organic material such as:
- Wood chips.
- Grass clippings.
- Straw.
- Plastic sheeting.
- Rubber.
- Lava rock.
At its most basic level, the difference between organic and inorganic mulch is that while they both create an effective microclimate, organic mulch also gives back to the soil.
The Main Uses of Black Mulch
If you intend to properly prevent weeds, retain moisture and warm the soil, then this is the main one you would use; unless you want to go completely organic. Both work however, as it is inorganic, usually made from plastic sheeting, it doesn’t break down as quickly and can be either solid or porous.
The one downside, apart from it being made from plastic, is that it doesn’t look nice. You can liven up its aesthetics by covering it in organic material usually used for mulch to give it a more natural look.
Most landscape supply stores will have this mulch in their inventory. If you’re just starting out with your gardening, then you can bypass all the pitfalls to do with rot and the possibility of vermin such as rats nesting in your organic mulch, then inorganic is what you should be looking at.
Black mulch will prevent a lot of harm coming to your produce and is safe to use. It absorbs sunlight readily and can also be used to separate your vegetables from the soil. This extra layer will serve as a buffer that can help you to deter degradation in the quality of your produce and keeps your garden neat.