Landscaping Mulch Alternatives

Compost has been a common mulch for vegetable gardens over the years but is not as common for use in landscaping, as weeds love compost, defeating the purpose. There are several mulch alternatives that are better suited for landscaping. A good mulch should serve as a weed barrier, break down quickly, add nutrients to the soil, conserve water and attract worms. Here are some inexpensive do-it-yourself mulching ideas that will meet these qualities but may require a little extra work for the caretaker.

Dried grass clippings can be used as a mulch. Lawn grasses cannot have any insecticides, chemical fertilizers or weed killers placed on the them within three weeks of cutting. The warmth of fresh lawn clippings can damage plants so they must be spread out to dry prior to mulching. Grass clippings tend to get compacted and prevent moisture from reaching plant roots. A weekly mulch fluffing by hand would be in order.

Leaves contain many vital nutrients for soil and plants. In order to use leaves as mulch they must be dry and shredded. Leaves can be shredded in a wood chipper or by running over them with the lawn mower. Using nonshredded leaves will create a moisture barrier and will stop water from reaching plant roots. Add slow-release nitrogen fertilizer to the mulch. Decomposing leaves will use up nitrogen in the soil that the plants need. Shredded leaves will not compact as tightly as grass clippings but will require occasional fluffing.

To make wood chips, you will need a wood chipper. Wood chippers can be purchased or rented from a local hardware or home improvement store. Soft woods like pine, hemlock and spruce are preferred by landscapers. Soft woods break down easily and add nutrients to the soil. Hard woods take longer to break down and can contain organisms that will compete with the plants for food. If purchasing wood chips, a good rule of thumb is to look for nondyed soft-wood types.

Shredded newspapers make a quickly decomposing mulch but can compact easily. Mixing the paper shreds with some straw will add color and keep the paper from becoming too tightly compacted.

Purchased cocoa mulch is an option that will grow essential fungi to improve the soil and attract an abundance of worms. Worms naturally till and fertilize the soil, eliminating extra work for the caretaker.