How to Use Inorganic Mulch
In this era of recycling and “greening” it seems only natural to bring that to the garden by using inorganic mulch. Inorganic materials will not add nutrients to soil but they do not decompose easily. Inorganic mulches include lava rocks, pebbles, plastic or landscape fibers which neither break down and improve soil structure nor add nutrients to the soil. When a site requires renovation, inorganic mulches can be difficult to remove while organic mulches can be easily incorporated into the soil. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
How to Use Inorganic Mulch
-
1
Use Newspaper. Mulching by using newspaper as mulch is cheap but useful. Newspaper mulch prevents weed germination and is very effective in vegetable gardens. Newspaper is readily available and remarkable sterile. The downside of newspaper mulch is that it can blow away if not weighted down and is usually only good for about one season.
-
2
Use landscape fabrics. Landscape fabrics are typically a black, woven fabric that contains small holes in the surface to allow air, water, and nutrients to move to and from the soil. They are not aesthetically pleasing by themselves and are typically used with mulches placed on top. Landscape fabrics may inhibit the growth of weeds. As organic mulches break down on top of landscape fabric; compost is developed, creating an ideal location for weed seeds to germinate the compost should be cleared away periodically and the area remulched. The average cost is about $20 per 6-by-50 foot roll.
-
-
3
Use recycled rubber tires. Sometimes called crumb rubber, recycled rubber tires, is a heavy duty material that is does not decompose, wash, or blow away easily. It also resist sinking it the ground like gravel. This type of mulch is typically found in turf areas that are subjected to high traffic such as near a cart path or on sports turfs or playgrounds. It can con in a wide variety of colors. In high traffic areas it helps reduce soil compaction and improves wear tolerance. It provides padding for both the turf grass crown and for those using the turf. Crumb rubber increases soil temperatures, which under certain conditions may increase. The average cost is $9 per 30-pound bag, which covers 7 1/2 square feet, 2 inches deep.
-
4
Use plastic. Plastic is cheap and available in different thicknesses and colors. Black plastic can increase soil temperatures and effectively controls most weeds because light cannot reach the seedlings. Clear plastic can increase soil temperatures 10°F or more. Clear plastics are used in warmer climates to pasteurize soils prior to planting. Plastics may be used early in the season to increase soil temperatures and extend the growing season or to help ripen fruit. Tomatoes and strawberries are crops that may benefit from increased early soil temperatures. Plastic is not recommended in landscape beds because while it inhibits weed growth it will also inhibit the growth of desirable plants. Plastic restricts air movement, water, and nutrients to and from the soil which can result in extremely dry or wet soil conditions, both of which are detrimental to plant health.
-
5
Use Stone, pebbles, gravel. Stone, pebbles, gravel and rock can be used for color, texture and stability. Rocks create a permanent cover, especially when lined with plastic. All rocks are fire-resistant. These products don't break down in the soil. Smaller pebbles may sink into the soil after time. Some rocks are hard to keep clean. Moving this type of mulch is heavy work. White river gravel in 1/4 to 1/2-inch pieces in a 1/2-cubic-foot bag sells for $2.59. One 1/2-cubic-foot bag of red lava rock is $2.99. White river rock in 1- to 2-inch sizes in a 1/2-cubic-foot bag is $2.99. Larger quantities and different varieties of decorative rock are available from specialty ground-cover companies.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Keep in mind that inorganic mulch is a long term installation.
- Photo Credit Public Domain
