Mulch? How much mulch do you need? Why do you need mulch? How do you know which mulch to use? Let me help you find the answers!
Welcome to Week 6 of the Spring 2023 One Room Challenge! Week 6…. can you believe it? Reveal Week is rapidly approaching! This week, it is thyme to talk about mulch! Tackling the mulch issue for the area around our lanai is item 5 on my list of goals for creating the outdoor living area of my dreams!
But first, let’s review my original goals for the project!
Goals for Creating a Calming Coastal Themed Retreat:
As part of the Spring 2023 ORC, I had a list of goals and projects that I wanted to complete. Like any home renovation project, I have hit a few roadblocks and have had to re think things. I have managed to accomplish about 1/3 of the items on my list!
- Replace Damaged Screens and Properly Secure The Cage
- Clean the travertine tile to remove dirt, grime & algae
- Patch & Paint stucco walls
- Clean & Paint metal support beams
- Add mulch around perimeter of lanai cage
- refresh patio pots around lanai cage.
- Add more lighting to the pool cage area
- repaint mesh patio table top
- rearrange patio furniture
- use existing storage more effectively
- set up a potting area outside the lanai
Tips on Calculating the Right Amount of Mulch
It is late Spring which means it is thyme to get the garden & outdoor areas ready for the Summer season! We have been talking about adding mulch around the perimeter of our pool cage (lanai area) for a little over two years! I added it as one of my action items for the Spring 2023 ORC hoping it would spur me to get the job done!
Why Mulch?
Every garden can benefit from mulch. Mulch aids in moisture retention which helps reduce the need for watering. It helps keep the soil at an even temperature and helps prevent the soil from eroding. Mulch helps keep the weeds away and can even add much needed nutrients to your landscape.
Types of Mulch
There are two main categories of mulch: organic and inorganic. Organic mulch is made up of natural materials that decompose over time, while inorganic mulch is made up of synthetic materials that do not decompose. Organic mulch includes materials such as leaves, grass clippings, straw, wood chips, and bark. Inorganic mulch includes materials such as rocks, gravel, and plastic. Each type of mulch has its advantages and disadvantages. Organic mulch provides more nutrients to the soil, but it needs to be replaced more frequently. Inorganic mulch lasts longer, but it does not provide nutrients to the soil.
How to calculate the amount of mulch needed for your garden
Calculating the right amount of mulch for your garden is essential to prevent over or under-mulching. The general rule of thumb is to apply a layer of mulch that is 2 to 3 inches thick. To calculate the amount of mulch you need, you will need to measure the area of your garden that needs mulching. You can do this by multiplying the length and width of the area, in feet, and then multiply the result by the depth of the mulch you want to apply, in inches. For example, the area around our pool cage is 108 feet by 3 feet and I want to apply a 2-inch layer of mulch, therefore I will need 33.3 cubic feet of mulch.
Here is a link to a great online mulch calculator tool! Mulch Calculator
Factors that affect the amount of mulch needed
The amount of mulch needed for your garden can vary depending on several factors. Firstly, the type of mulch you use will affect the depth of the layer you need to apply. For example, wood chips are thicker than grass clippings, so you will need to apply a thinner layer of wood chips. Secondly, the slope of your garden will affect the amount of mulch needed. If your garden is on a slope, you will need to apply a thicker layer of mulch to prevent erosion. Lastly, the climate in your area will affect the rate of decomposition of the mulch. In areas with hot and humid climates, mulch will decompose faster, so you will need to replace it more frequently.
Tips for applying mulch correctly
Applying mulch correctly is essential to ensure that your plants receive the full benefits of mulching. Here are some tips for applying mulch correctly:
– Remove any weeds or debris from the area before applying mulch.
– Apply a layer of mulch that is 2 to 3 inches thick, making sure to leave a small gap around the base of the plants to prevent moisture buildup.
– Do not apply mulch directly on plant stems or trunks, as this can cause rotting.
– Water the area thoroughly after applying mulch to help it settle and prevent it from blowing away.
– Replace mulch every 1 to 2 years, depending on the rate of decomposition.
Common mistakes to avoid when using mulch
Using mulch incorrectly can have negative consequences for your plants. Here are some common mistakes to avoid when using mulch:
– Applying too much mulch can suffocate plants by preventing air and water from reaching the roots.
– Applying mulch too close to plant stems or trunks can cause rotting.
– Using mulch that is not fully decomposed can deplete soil nitrogen, which can harm your plants.
– Using dyed mulch can contain harmful chemicals that can harm your plants and soil.
– Using rocks or gravel as mulch can increase soil temperature, which can harm your plants.
Mulching for different types of plants
Different types of plants have different mulching needs. Here are some tips for mulching different types of plants:
– Trees: Apply mulch in a circle around the tree, extending to the drip line. Use a layer of mulch that is 2 to 4 inches thick.
– Shrubs: Apply mulch in a circle around the shrub, extending to the drip line. Use a layer of mulch that is 2 to 3 inches thick.
– Annuals and perennials: Apply mulch around the base of the plant, leaving a small gap around the stem. Use a layer of mulch that is 1 to 2 inches thick.
Environmentally Friendly Mulch Alternatives:
If you’re searching for mulch options that are more environmentally friendly, several options are available. These are my three favorite suggestions:
– Grass clippings: Grass clippings can be used as mulch. Using grass clippings can help reduce waste in the landfills. This is a great way to reduce waste and provide nutrients to your plants. As the grass clippings break down, they release nutrients such as nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus. These are essential nutrients that your lawn needs to stay healthy.
– Leaves: Save those leaves you rake up in the fall! These nutrient rich leaves can be used as mulch! No more filling up the bags and sending the leaves off to the landfill! Just spread the leaves around your landscape!
– Compost: Use compost as mulch. This is a sustainable option that provides much needed nutrients to your plants and helps improve soil fertility.
Not only are these options eco friendly, they are virtually no cost!
More about the One Room Challenge
In 2011, Linda Weinstein decided to join together with a small group of her online friends with the goal of finishing a room in a designated amount of time. The group of friends worked on their projects and helped motivate each other to stay on track. She named the event One Room Challenge®, since staying focused and completing the project could be quite a challenge.
Fast forward to the present and the event is now held bi-annually. The One Room Challenge showcases designers and Social Media Influencers. The campaign begins on the first Wednesday of every April & October. The campaign hopes to inspire individuals by showcasing new ideas and trends in home design and decor.
Bloggers and other social media influencers are welcome to join in the challenge as Guest Participants. For 8 Wednesdays (starting April 5th), the participants will be sharing their progress on their blogs and various social media platforms.
Please check out all the other amazing projects! They can be found here: One Room Challenge
To follow my journey with the Spring 2023 One Room Challenge:
Spring 2023 One Room Challenge
Follow along with me during the Spring 2023 One Room Challenge! Watch how I refresh our outdoor living area with a calming Coastal vibe!
Please come back next week to see how I am progressing with the project!
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