Mulches

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Landscape Mulch & Mulching Supplies

Australia can be a harsh land, with high temperatures, damaging winds and long droughts.  And, we are all getting used to varying degrees of water restrictions that are increasing the need for water saving techniques such as rainwater tanks. Whereas humans can escape indoors to air-conditioning and plenty of cool drinks. lt is by mulching that we provide the same comfort to our plants. Nature has done this in every forest since time began.

What is Landscape Mulch and Why Do We Use It?
Mulch or landscape mulching is simply a protective layer which is spread over the soil surface. It can be made of any material from organic materials such as woodchip mulch, bark mulch, rubber mulch, even stone and plastic.

The most important reason we mulch is water conservation. A good layer of garden mulch cuts evaporation and retards weed growth.

Weeds also compete with your plants for water so cutting them out of the equation helps to conserve water. Garden mulch insulates plants from the extremes of hot and cold:  and an organic mulch gradually adds nutrients to the soil as it slowly breaks down.

Soil erosion is greatly decreased in areas like playgrounds by the use of organic mulch such as woodchips and it helps lessen soil borne fungal diseases reaching plants.

Adding mulch can also be a Landscaping design statement. One of Adelaide’s most popular garden mulches, Jeffries Recover, is a rich dark colour which provides an attractive finish. It has also been boosted with blood and bone as well as their own brand of organic compost providing vital nutrients for plant growth.

When Should I Mulch?
It’s best to put down something like black landscape mulch or bark mulch as soon as you plant a new crop or garden and most mulches will last throughout a growing season.

Why Are There So Many Different Mulches And Does It Make Any Difference?

The reason why there are so many mulches is because each type serves a special purpose depending on the climate and needs of the plant.  Some break down quicker and are more beneficial to the soil. Others mulches such as bark or pine mulch will break down more slowly and will provide a longer term solution.

The softer mulches like black mulch encourage beneficial soil bacteria. Some mulches are designed to spread easily, some mulches are designed for their extra water retention properties and some for the different nutrients which are released.

How To Mulch

1. Avoid piling mulch up against plant stems or trunks of trees. Allow some room around the tree base to allow it to breathe. 
2. By packing mulch right against the trunk of a tree traps moisture against the bark and encourages bacterial and fungal diseases – even death of the tree.
3. Larger pieces of wood mulch near the head of flowers will “dampen” off the bloom.
4. Using a plastic or fabric weed mat will negate the benefits of mulch.
5. Using too much mulch can pull feeder roots to the surface which stresses the plant during excessive weather conditions.
6. Make sure that your mulch comes from a reliable source so that you’re not going to buy some nasty surprises such as harmful insects.

Remember the worst mulching mistake of all – is not to use any!

View Full Range of Jeffries Mulches