Mulching your vegetable garden is beneficial to both your vegetables and your pocket book. Mulching not only prevents weeds from taking root, it saves money by having to water less often. There are several ways you may accomplish this in your vegetable garden using different materials, organic or inorganic. Both methods work, however, one works better at the beginning of the season while the other works best when the weather is a little warmer. Does this Spark an idea?
Types
Organic methods of mulching your vegetable garden include newspaper, bark chips, pine needles and straw. Inorganic methods include black plastic sheeting which doesn't break down to enrich the earth like organic mulches. Inorganic methods work best at the beginning of the season when the vegetable seeds need the warmth of the sun to germinate.
Effects
Organic or inorganic mulching methods work by preventing existing weeds from emerging, and by stopping weed seeds that get blown onto your vegetable garden from taking root. Therefore, mulching saves time and money by cutting down on garden chores.
Benefits
Your garden vegetables benefit from a good mulching in that they don't have to fight with weeds for water. No competition means bigger, better vegetables for you and your family with less effort on your part.
Function
Spreading organic mulch thickly (3 inches or thicker) between vegetable rows and in between and around individual plants prevents the germination of weeds and, additionally, perennials from cycling, essentially ending the majority of weeds for the next season.
Time Frame
Inorganic mulches may be spread and secured soon after your vegetable garden has sprouted. Make slits or small holes in the plastic where the vegetable seedlings are located. Black plastic sheeting works like a passive solar collector, allowing heat from the sun's rays to pass through its physical barrier while warming the ground to encourage growth and vigor in your vegetable seedlings. Organic mulches may be applied after the spring sun warms the soil and your vegetable seedlings are well established. The sun's rays will not penetrate the thick organic mulch layer as well as the inorganic mulches therefore the later application of organic mulches is necessary.
