Compost and Mulch

1. What is the difference between garden mulch and compost? You needed to work compost into the soil. Mulch is spread on top of the dirt to protect the soil from the elements and suppress weeds. Compost can be used as mulch.

2. People have used leaves or bark as garden mulch. Are there other types of mulches? The type of mulch depends on your plants. Pine, hay, straw, crushed stone, wood chips from branches or recycles timber can be used. The softer mulch material like straw and leaves will provide short-term weed suppression and short-term nutrient source once the mulch has broken down.

3. Is it safe to use newspaper as garden mulch or put them in a compost pile? Old newspapers are not safe for mulch or compost because they have petroleum based inks. Use Ukiah Daily Journal newspapers from 2007 or later because they have soy based ink.

4. Is it safe to mulch around a house foundation, or does that invite termites? Yes, its safe, but to ensure adequate foundation and make sure is slopes way from the foundation. Termite control is more complex.

5. Is playground rubber mulch safe to use around plants? Playground rubber is very appealing to some gardeners. It’s long lasting, unlike crushed stone and its safe around plants.

6. Do leaves require shredding prior to spreading them as mulch? Yes, you should shred it first because is promotes drainage and plant health.

7. Because there are not weeds in winter, what is the purpose of applying garden mulch in the fall? Mulch’s use is not limited to weed control. Mulch helps control erosion and helps plants stay in dormant state.

8. I have heard of cover crops. Why are they referred to as living mulches? You use cover crops if you don’t have enough leaves. They essentially function as mulches.

9. Everything in my vegetable garden and annual flower beds has been harvested or is dead. I want to mulch these areas. Is there anything I need to do prior to spreading mulch? Yes, because the plant material can be diseases remove the plants from the garden and compost it to get rid of any disease.