If the prospect of free mulch interests you, look no further than your own backyard. Grass clippings, leaves and pine needles are an excellent source of mulch. A generous 2-to-3 inch layer of these organic materials can decrease your watering needs by as much as 50 percent and can drastically reduce weed growth.
Research indicates that when the air temperature is 100 degrees, a 3 inch layer of mulch can reduce soil temperature by as much as 25 degrees. This promotes healthy root growth, which allows for a more efficient uptake of water. The same layer of mulch will also help protect your plants from freeze damage in the winter.
As you place mulch around your planting beds, take care to pull it slightly away from main stems and trunks rather than piling it on. And since organic mulch degrades over time, adding nutrients to the soil, you'll need to replenish your layer occasionally to maintain its thickness.
By using your own free mulch, you'll not only be improving your soil at no cost, you'll also be decreasing the amount of waste that ends up in area landfills. This is truly a win-win situation.
Connie Eubanks, Smith County Master Gardener
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