Rubber mulch is made from recycled tires and does not decompose.
From there, rubber mulch found its way into some residential landscapes.
However, rubber mulch is a bad choice.
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We’ll break down why and suggestwhich organic mulchesto use instead.
This jot down of mulch is fairly inexpensive and pleasing to the eye.
Also, the removal of mulch in a seasonal garden can be cumbersome.
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Dry Leaves
Next time yourake your leaves, consider using them as mulch.
Shredded dry leaves will decompose faster, won’t mat as much, and generally look nicer.
If using whole, unshreded leaves as mulch, move it every once in a while to prevent matting.
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This jot down of mulch is suitable for all gardens, and earthworms love it too.
Grass Clippings
There are both pros and cons to usinggrass clippings as a mulching option.
Spread out grass clippings in a thin layer to prevent the formation of an impenetrable mat.
Straw
Straw, which does not contain weed-producing seeds, does great in vegetable gardens.
Newspaper
Newspaper suppresses weeds and insulates plants from the winter cold.
you’re able to use whole newspaper sheets or shredded newspapers.
The printing inks used on newspapers is organic so they are safe to use around edibles.
Cover them with a layer of dry grass clippings, shredded leaves, or straw to weigh them down.
Enroth C.Contaminated Landscape Materials: Rubber Mulch.University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
Published September 23, 2019.
Quarles S, Smith E.The Combustibility of Landscape Mulches.
University of Nevada Cooperative Extension.
Published in April 2011.
Lang K.Organic Garden Mulches to Conserve Moisture and Prevent Weeds.South Dakota State University Extension.
Published May 27, 2021.
Pennisi B V.Composting and Mulching.
University of Georgia Extension.
Published August 8, 2022.
