Many types of mulch are available to the gardener, but different mulches are suited to different applications.
Mulch can be used to retain water, discourage weed growth, build up organic matter, and provide some drainage. It also helps to change the microclimate around our garden and create an environment for garden plants and animals.
Use too much and the water may not spill onto the floor; Use too little and the soil will dry out.
So you need to choose the best material to do the job you want the coating to do and only apply enough to be effective.
Gardening Australia's Clarence Slokey walks us through some popular types of organic mulch and shows where they work best.
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Light mulch
Pea straw, sugar cane or lucerne mulch are suitable for vegetable gardens.
As they decompose, they bring nutrients into the soil and help retain moisture.
Clarence should not use this type of mulch for low-yielding plants like strawberries.
"It can be a place where snails come home and unfortunately eat your strawberries," he says.
Co-host Sophie Thomson previously explained how she uses chopped straw specifically for young plants, as traditional pieces are too big and suffocate the seedlings.
Chopped mulch works well because it's light and fluffy, while still allowing water to reach the plants.
"Always water well before applying mulch to ensure there is enough moisture in the soil," says Sophie.
Eucalyptus or tea tree mulch
Euky mulch is a favorite for native plants.
It simulates the natural ground cover, ie leaves falling from trees and plants.
leafy leaves
Leaf mulch is made up of leaves, twigs and some twigs, so they mimic what you would find on the forest floor.
"It's great to put in your yard and provide a habitat for some lizards and small lizards," says Clarence.
"It's a great all-rounder and perfect for your garden."
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It's a very heavy blanket.
It helps conserve water and suppress weeds, and is also good for planting around trees.
You can also use it to separate different areas of the garden.
Create your own tree bark when you cut down your trees.
You can rent chainsaws from some hardware stores or large gardening stores.
Thick pine mulch
This shredded mulch is aesthetically pleasing.
It degrades slowly and is good for weeding and habitat creation, says Clarence.
"Not so good for garden beds, but perfect for driveways."
Dry wood mulch
This heavy mulch is made by cutting hardwoods.
Dry wood takes years to decompose.
It holds a lot of water in the ground.
"Things eventually wear out, but it's great for roads or anything that's meant to last," says Clarence.
For more Gardening Australia tips, visit the website or watch previous episodes on ABC iView.
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