Mulch is any type of matter that is used to cover the soil as a protective layer to modify the effects of the climate. Sometimes mulching is required for the good growth and development of the garden. Many gardeners are discovering a source of mulch that has been available freely all the time. Some forms of free mulch include wood shavings, grass clippings, shredded newspaper and plant trimmings. These items have been present in the garden all along, they can be used as and when the need arises.

Many gardeners spread the grass clippings across the yard or around the trees. This acts as a kind of mulch on the soil by preventing evaporation and keeping the soil moist. Thus, it helps to conserve water and you may not need to water the plants very often. It also prevents weeds from growing in the area. Plants and trees that have trouble staying green and healthy can benefit from mulching. All that needs to be done is to spread the grass trimmings around the plant in a small layer. One can choose the mulching priority, depending on the growth of the plants or the condition of the yard. If the yard is green and healthy, it may not require mulching. The plants and shrubs may, on the other hand need some mulching care.

Pruning of trees and plants yields plenty of twigs and branches. Depending on the size of your garden and the amount of pruning done, it may generate large quantities of branches. Instead of throwing these away, they can be put to good use by turning them to mulch. A wood chipper can be rented to make chips of the wood and this can then be used as mulch. The wood chipper may be expensive to rent, so if you have only a small quantity of pruning, then it is better to store it away to add to the next batch of pruning. That way it will be economical to make the wood chippings.

All organic mulches have to be replaced, because they will decompose naturally over time. Organic mulches decompose over a period, releasing small quantities of nutrients in the soil. It is therefore advisable to replenish the mulch as soon as it starts to decompose. The signs will be visible very easily. At times, the plants begin to suffer due to the decomposition of the mulch. You can take care of this problem by adding a small quantity of fertilizer to the soil, to promote growth of the plant. The layer of mulch should be renewed to maintain a 2 to 4 inch depth. Mulch like pine straw will need to be replenished every year.

Mulching saves a lot of time on garden maintenance. It reduces water evaporation and helps to promote the growth of healthy plants. Mulching puts the garden waste to good use, thus benefiting the plants. Since this is freely available, it saves money too!

I’ve been composting for quite some time now, and I can honestly say that for the first few trials I was having difficulty keeping the area around my compost wildlife and insect-free. Composting is both a science and an art form, and I was foolish to think at the beginning that I could get it down on the first try. I followed all the directions, read all the web forums and even carried the 1 over to the other side, yet I was coming across the same problem: insects and animals were invading my compost! But now that I know better, let me share my experiences with you so that you don’t have to waste as much time as I did on fixing the problem.

First of all, don’t ever place any meat products, fatty foods, oils and bones in your compost bins, compost tumblers, or piles. This is a recipe for disaster since animals are generally attracted to these products and will be more than likely to dig around in your compost. Dairy products like cheese are also considered a no-no in terms of adding it to your compost. Not only do these products get smelly after a few hours, they also do not decompose well so it’s best to just avoid these items all together.

To avoid this situation, be sure to use a tight fitting lid atop your compost bin, better yet, make sure it’s rodent proof. As long as the lid is tight rodents like raccoons won’t be able to jimmy the bin open and feast upon the cut-up fruit rinds and veggie leaves. In addition, remember to turn your compost pile a couple times a week to turn up the heat in your bin so that the organic matter can decompose properly; this will also help in turning off animals from you compost.

Since you’ll be using fruit rinds, vegetable stalks and leaves along with other acceptable food wastes such as coffee grinds, you’re bound to come across the problem of flies and gnats hanging around your compost (this also applies for kitchen composting). Work around this problem by covering up your compost and by adding brown matter (no, not that) to your compost. Yard waste such as dried up leaves, hay, cut-up wood chippings and even sawdust mixed into your compost will balance the nitrogen levels and mask the fruity odors. Using some already made compost or soil will also do the trick.

Learn from my mistakes and take these tips to heart. After all, there’s nothing worse than looking our in your backyard and fining a zoo of animals nosing around in your compost bin like they’ve found the jackpot!