By 
Introduction –
One of the best friends of gardener is none other than mulching. During the spring season, the mulch will protect the soil from moisture, stop the weeds, and also feed the soil. And, during the winter season, mulch will protect the plain soil, prevent erosion, support the plants, and protect them. Besides that, one of the most important parts of gardening is mulching. Plants look beautiful after mulching. It is very productive throughout the year. If you are the one who knows how to mulch, then it is very important for you to know when to mulch, the correct depth for mulching, and the right kind of mulch.
What exactly is Mulch?
Many people have this question: what is mulch? In very plain words, mulch is any of those materials that cover the surface of the soil. In the terms of nature, “mulch” simply means fallen leaves, plant debris, woodchips, pine bark, and so on. In its garden form, mulch can also include compost, wood chips, seaweed, cardboard, rotted manure, and so on. It is only recently that people have been able to appreciate mulch’s sustainability and other benefits, including its ecological benefits. If mulching is done correctly, then it can feed the soil’s microorganisms that are living and also the nutrients and waste that come from these tiny microbes, which develop a healthier soil structure for limiting compaction and plants.
Mulching Has Many Advantages:
There are several advantages to mulching. Mulching inhibits weed growth by preventing light from reaching the soil’s surface. It also reduces water loss from the surface of the soil, which assists in maintaining the moisture of the soil. It keeps the soil temperature moderate and also keeps it warmer on cold nights and cool during the summer days. It secures the plain and lessens erosion and soil compaction. Besides that, mulching secures the plant from the cruel conditions of winter freezes, winds, and thaws.
Add-on Benefits of Mulching
Some of the add-on benefits of mulch are as follows: during the winter season, the soil under mulch will be warmer compared to the unprotected soil. This will protect the plants from being frozen and thawing, which can take the plants out of the ground. It also stops the crusting of the soil’s surface. Mulching allows water to flow more freely in the soil rather than run off. Also, mulching helps keep the soil from coming onto the leaves during the rains, and keeping the soil off of the plants reduces the chances of fungal infection and bacterial diseases that plants can get. If you use organic mulch, it breaks down and also feeds the soil.
Micronutrient Availability:
Mulching enhances the construction of clay soil and also improves the moisture-holding capacity of sandy soils. It also enhances soul fertility if organic mulching is used. Also, it makes the micronutrients more available in the soil, which are already present. If you have a tomato plant and melons, then it keeps the plants clean and off the ground to avoid any kind of plant disease. It also limits the chances of damaging the trunk of the tree when mulch is used. Also, plant health and growth are improved due to fewer weeds and more moisture and temperature in the soil.
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