Mulch is a layer of material that protects the top of the soil. It prevents soil erosion, retains moisture, suppresses weed growth, protects plants and helps the soil maintain a constant temperature. Also, more importantly, you don't have to buy it. You can achieve this by using plant residues from the garden, such as grass, bark shavings, and leaves. Making mulch from your yard's organic material is an eco-friendly practice.
Steps
Step 1. Determine how much mulch you need for the garden
It is necessary to apply a layer of 5 cm on the flower beds, around the trees and along the paths of the lawn.
Step 2. Find a space in the garden that is large enough to accommodate the organic material
The area should be flat and free of shrubs, trees, flowers and bushes because the mulch pile will cause the grass underneath to die.
Step 3. Start building the material pile in the fall
The leaves are a great base, so rake them in a mound.
Step 4. Start by putting the leaves in a wheelbarrow with the rake and spade and bring them into the mulch pile
Step 5. Chop the leaves into tiny pieces using an electric shredder
If you can't get one, shred the plant debris with a lawn mower or break the leaves with a spade.
Step 6. Saw fallen branches and other organic garden material into small pieces
If you have a lot of large branches, consider renting a wood chipper from a local farm tool shop to make mulch.
Step 7. Put the wood chips in the wheelbarrow and take them to the mulch pile
Turn them over the top layer of the leaves.
Step 8. Let the plant residues rest for the whole winter
Step 9. Apply mulch in the garden during the spring
Use a rake and spread the material into a 5cm thick layer.
Step 10. Continue adding organic material to the mulch pile
Step 11. Apply an extra layer to the lawn in the fall to protect the plants from the winter cold
Advice
- If you don't use all the mulch, it will eventually become compost. This, mixed with the organic residues of the garden, enriches the soil. After some time, you can create a new pile of mulch and make the old one into great compost.
- Electric shredders don't cost much and can save you time.
- Keep the pile of mulch close to the lawn so you don't have to carry it very far.
- If your yard is small or you live in an apartment, you can buy mulch bins that don't take up much space.
