Many materials are used as mulches, which are used to retain soil moisture, regulate soil temperature, suppress weed growth, and for aesthetics. They are applied to the soil surface, around trees, paths, flower beds, to prevent soil erosion on slopes, and in production areas for flower and vegetable crops.

The effect of mulch upon soil moisture content is complex. Mulch forms a layer between the soil and the atmosphere which prevents sunlight from reaching the soil surface, thus reducing evaporation.

Using mulch is a good gardening habit but not mandatory; the benefits, however, make it worth the effort.

A really good job of mulching your garden usually offers these benefits:

• Inhibits weed germination and growth. (Weeds are not only unsightly, but they also steal resources from desirable garden plants!)
• Holds in soil moisture, protecting your plants from drying out quickly
• Moderates soil-temperature fluctuations (This benefit is especially valuable during that turbulent-weather period in spring when you don’t want your plants to be stressed.)
• In cold-winter areas, protects plant roots from winter cold.
• In hot-summer areas, helps keep plant roots cooler.
• Depending on what you use, adds a bit of welcome nutrition to your garden as it breaks down.
• The type of mulch one uses will depend on the function and the aesthetic value of the landscape –
• Organic mulches such as compost, bark, wood chips, leaves, seed hulls, grass clippings, nut shells, newspaper, cardboard, or straw have the added benefit that they add nutrients to the soil as they decompose. This type of mulch needs to be periodically reapplied.
• Inorganic mulches such as gravel, black plastic, or fabric perform many of the same functions as organic mulch but do not add organic matter to the soil.
• Mulches should be applied evenly around trees, shrubs, and perennials, but never deeper than 100mm. Mulch should be kept about 10mm away from the main stem or stems of a plant and should never be piled against the trunk or over the top of a plant.

*Please note that currently we can only delivery a maximum of  3m² per load. Please contact us first to make arrangements for bigger quantities