Creating your own mulch is an eco-friendly and cost-effective way to enrich your garden while recycling organic materials. Here are some methods to make your own mulch using various materials found around your home and yard.
Branches, Bark, and Pine Needles
Perhaps some little animals are to blame for the peeling bark fragments that are strewn all over your yard? Collect these branches, bark, and pine needles to create a natural mulch. Use a wood chipper or shredder to break them down into smaller pieces. This type of mulch is excellent for garden beds and around trees, providing a natural look while helping retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Newspaper
If you still enjoy receiving your newspaper delivered in print without having to leave your home, this is a terrific way to recycle your old papers (no more than from 1990). Layer the newspaper in your garden beds, and cover it with a thin layer of soil or another type of mulch to prevent it from blowing away. Newspapers help block weeds and retain soil moisture.
Leaves
Cut them up with a lawnmower over a 2-inch spread. Alternatively, use hedge trimmers, but make sure the leaves are no larger than a dime. Shredded leaves decompose quickly, enriching the soil with nutrients. They are great for flower beds and vegetable gardens.
Grass Clippings
Although grass-based mulch is the most effective, it has significant drawbacks. Keep your clippings dry and pesticide-free. Spread a thin layer of grass clippings over your garden beds. They decompose quickly, adding nitrogen to the soil, which is beneficial for plants. However, avoid thick layers to prevent matting and odor.
Compost
The best compost for mulching is aged compost, which has turned black. Once compost is ready for your yard, the stench should be gone. Spread the compost around plants to improve soil structure, add nutrients, and retain moisture. Compost is ideal for all types of gardens, including vegetable plots and flower beds.
Straw
Straw is a versatile mulch that can be used in vegetable gardens and around fruit plants. Spread a layer of straw around your plants to keep the soil moist, regulate temperature, and prevent weeds. Straw decomposes slowly, adding organic matter to the soil over time.
