Mulch Options for the Home Gardener

Cork mulch provides an artistic way to maintain soil moisture.

By Jenny Peterson

 

Fall is around the corner, and with it a variety of autumn tasks. One essential activity is mulching—mulch holds down weeds, maintains soil moisture, and provides plants with a valuable insulating blanket through the winter months. But what kind should you use? While many areas of the country have their own regional mulches, there are more options than the standard bark chips. In fact, some options are a bit creative while others give a nod to sustainability. Read on for more information on the wide array of mulch types for your garden.

 

Hardwood

A high-quality hardwood shredded mulch is a fantastic option in the garden. It's available in bags or in bulk, and is usually a dark brown, rich red or even a black color. This mulch is a good choice for most perennial gardens.

 

Rubber

Looking for a recycled material? Check out rubber mulch, recycled from used tires. It doesn't decay or rot, resists being compacted down, and provides a great soft landing underneath children's play areas. Be careful if you live in an area of intense sun, however—rubber mulch has been known to heat up more than other mulches, making it a bit uncomfortable for bare feet.

 

Pine Straw

This is a good choice for homeowners in wooded areas where pine trees offer copious amounts of ready-made mulch. This is a more regional look for many gardeners and provides good, inexpensive, and soft coverage. It's been known to wash out of a bed during a heavy rain, so if your beds have some slope to them, you might opt for a different type of mulch.

 

Corks

You read that right—corks! Wine corks are an artsy option for retaining soil moisture and suppressing weeds. You can either save up your own, ask your friends to donate to the cause, or check with local restaurants about collecting some corks. These are also great to add to the soil surface in potted plants.

 

Gravel

Gravel and small river rock are good options for more arid gardens, as they allow water to soak through to the soil without holding it around the base of the plant. Consider using a weed barrier fabric under any rock in the garden to keep it from sinking down into the soil.