Gardeners already understand the importance of mulching flower gardens. Mulch helps regulate the soil temperature, improves water retention, and prevents soil erosion. But should you mulch your vegetable garden? If so, with what?
Studies show that mulching your vegetable garden can increase (or even decrease) yields by as much as 30%, so as important as mulching may be, the type of mulch used is an even greater factor contributing to gardening success. While there are many types of mulch that work well in vegetable gardens, here are four popular options based on crop type.
Black plastic is a good mulch for crops that love heat such as tomato plants, eggplant, peppers, melons, cucumbers, squash, and potatoes. Lay plastic in early spring to help warm up soil temperatures, potentially extending your gardening season. Plastic will require extra security to remain in place during windy times.
The major concern with plastic is ensuring adequate watering, since water cannot penetrate the plastic (this is an example of how mulch can decrease crop yield). Take note of the ways in which your plants can get water: Are you in the rainy season? Do you have sub-mulch irrigation? If not, you may want to remove the plastic mid-summer to allow plants to get extra moisture during hot months.
Other downsides to using plastic? It’s not biodegradable, can be unattractive, and can be difficult to handle. Avoid plastic altogether in extra-hot regions.
A guaranteed-free mulch. Leaves are an ideal mulch for broccoli and peas, which prefer cooler temperatures. The permeability of leaf mulch can actually lower soil temperatures by 20-25 degrees; be sure not to mulch your heat-loving plants as well. Since soil may experience a decrease in temperature, don’t apply this mulch type until the soil has reached an adequate temperature, perhaps mid-summer.
Hopefully you have a large stock of leaves available, as this type of mulch will blow away easily. Once wet, leaves mat down into an unsightly soggy mess, so the best option is to shred them before applying.
Burlap bags (such as those that hold food products like coffee beans or rice) are an efficient mulcher for a variety of crops including blueberries and carrots. The advantages to burlap are both cosmetic and practical. Burlap can give your bed a clean, polished appearance. If secured properly, it will stay put with little effort, even during wind. It also allows plenty of moisture through, making this a great all-season mulch choice. It’s also an easy way to protect against occasional early frosts.
Burlap can be expensive for large gardens, so ask for donations from local vendors. Due to its permeability, it is not an effective weed barrier, so burlap lacks as a mulch in that respect.
Another option? Try growing potatoes right in burlap bags. And don’t forget, burlap is compostable!
Straw is effective for both delicate crops like leafy greens and robust potatoes. It should be applied in mid-summer once soil has reached an ideal temperature. Straw may actually reduce the temperature of soil by 20-25 degrees, so consider applying in layers so as to not shock crops. Straw can also be used in the winter to protect soil.
Why might you not want to use straw? Two major reasons. One, unless you have access to free straw, this mulching method can be quite expensive for larger areas. Two, if you’re not a diligent weeder of your vegetable garden, you may find that you cannot keep up with the growth of oats, unless you use seed-free straw. Like any mulch (but even moreso with lightweight straw), it may blow away and need reapplication.
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