How to Mulch an Organic Garden

Choosing to have an organic garden is a step in the right direction towards better health, avoiding chemicals and using natural products and techniques. Adding mulch to your organic garden will protect the soil from harsh weather, inhibit weed germination and retain moisture. Follow these steps to properly mulch your organic garden.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Native tree trimmings, preferably cedar
• Tree shredder

1. Search the Internet or check with a local retail nursery to find out what trees are native to your area.
2. Collect fallen or pruned branches from these native trees. If you do not have native trees on your land, contact a local landowner or nursery to purchase native tree clippings.
3. Shred these native tree trimmings in a tree shredder. These shredded tree trimmings make up the mulch you will use in your organic garden.
4. Pile the mulch around the bottom of your organic trees and shrubs.
5. Place a layer of mulch over general groundcover areas.

Tips & Warnings

• Native cedar is generally the best choice of tree trimmings for making mulch.
• Other natural mulches made from pine needles and alfalfa hay can also be beneficial.
• Most retail nurseries carry native tree mulch if you do not have access to a tree shredder.
• Do not use Bermuda grass hay because of potential herbicide residues.
• Avoid piling mulch directly on the stems of your plants. It should only be piled in a circle around the stems.
• Use caution when operating a tree shredder. Physical injury or death could occur if you do not follow the manufacturer's safety guidelines.

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