Do Paper Ashes & Leaves Mulch Together?

Mulch helps to extend the growing season for vegetables such as carrots.

Mulch and compost are both useful substances for any gardener. Compost is a rich soil dressing or fertilizer used to increase the nutrient levels of the soil, whereas mulch is a top-dressing placed around plants to help prevent weed growth, retain moisture or control soil temperature. Organic mulches are also beneficial as they gradually wash into the soil and release their nutrients. Unwanted mulch can be removed at the end of a season and added to a compost bin.

Leaves as Mulch

Fallen leaves make an ideal garden mulch, suitable for spreading around plants as protection. Leaves should be chopped or shredded before being used as mulch. This helps stop them from blowing away, and also makes a heavier, more compact layer that will biodegrade more easily. Shred the leaves with a lawnmower with a collection bag attached, then spread them in a thick layer around delicate plants that need protection or vegetables where you wish to extend the harvesting season. Take care not to spread the mulch too close to the stems of the plants as this can increase the risk of infection from bacteria.

Paper Ash as Mulch

Paper ash is a more refined form of wood ash, which is beneficial for some soils. However, paper ash contains less nutrients than wood ash because of the processing it has undergone. Paper ash is too flimsy to be used as a mulch by itself, but can be useful if mixed with leaves to give it some weight. Wood and paper ash are both very alkaline, and should only be used on acid soils. Have your soil pH tested before application to see if an application of ash would be beneficial. Paper can also be added to mulch or compost in its raw state, before burning.

Problems With Mulch

Although mulch is beneficial when used correctly, there are also some potential problems. Too much mulch can make the soil around a plant too wet, which will cause root root. The mulch may affect the pH value of the soil, and long-term use of one mulch type may result in a buildup of toxicity or nutrient deficiency. A thick layer of mulch may encourage slugs or create a habitat for rodents, and if it becomes compacted, can prevent rainwater from reaching roots.

Advantages of Mulch

Mulch made from a mixture of ashes and leaves is both efficacious and free, and leaf mulch contains around 60 percent of the nutrients that a plant would normally extract from air and soil. It has excellent insulating properties and is ideal for protecting vulnerable plants from frost damage. Leaf mulch will also help prevent very heavy rain from eroding the soil around roots and causing damage. It is cheap and easy to renew on a yearly basis and looks attractive.

References

• The Master Gardeners; How to Compost Leaves; Phyllis Heuerman
• Oregan State University: Wood Ash Can Be Useful in Yard

Resources

• BBC Gardening Guides: Mulching Plants