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mulch for free
I have a lot of trees in my garden and I have established a habit of raking up fallen leaves and garden debris and piling it onto the beds and forking it in to the soil. Over the years the soil in these beds has become rich and dark, without the addition of chemicals and fertilizers - a natural mulch.
Spreading mulch over your garden soil is the best way to save time and energy in your garden. Mulch helps the soil hold moisture so you don't have to water as often. It also suppresses weeds. And over time, mulches made from organic materials break down and increase your soil's structure and fertility.
Shredded Bark
Shredded bark is one of the most common and least expensive mulches. It comes from a variety of sources. Shredded bark is one of the best mulch types to use on slopes and it breaks down relatively slowly. Some shredded-bark products are byproducts from other industries; they're considered environmentally friendly. Check the mulch packaging for more information.
If you have a large garden - or a medium-sized garden - with lots of trees and shrubs that you regularly trim, consider purchasing a shredder for a neat and tidy garden and a way to use garden cuttings for mulch.
NOTE: Shredded bark can take up some nitrogen from the soil as it decomposes. If you have poor soil, adding some organic fertilizer to the soil can help keep your plants healthy.
Foliage and Leaves
Save money by shredding fallen leaves in your garden and using them to cover the soil. Fallen leaves break down quickly (often in less than a year), but should be shredded before use to prevent them from matting down. Fallen leaves are commonly used as mulch in winter.
Grass Clippings
Another mulch you can make for free, grass clippings break down fast but add nitrogen to the soil as they do. It's best to use grass clippings in thin layers or to let the grass dry before spreading it as a mulch - otherwise it starts to stink and rot as it decomposes.
NOTE: If your lawn is Kikuyu, avoid putting any roots into the beds as these will very quickly take root.
Straw
Straw or thatching grass has a beautiful golden colour that looks great in the garden. It's also a bit slower to break down than leaves or grass clippings. But you do need to make sure the straw is free of weed seeds, otherwise it can cause more weeds than it prevents.
Compost
Compost looks like soil, except it's darker, so it really sets off plants well. This mulch material breaks down quickly but adds to your soil structure the fastest. Plus, it's inexpensive; you can create your own rich compost for free. Many municipalities give away compost, as well.
Get in touch with your local Pikitup or refuse removal agency and find out what they offer.
Macadamia Nut ShellsChips
These are readily available in bags from your local nursery or garden centre and look stunning when applied to beds. However, not a good idea if your dog likes to chew on things as the shells are toxic.
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