Mulching Checklist
Table of Contents
Plastic
Black and red plastic mulch will increase the soil temperature, allowing you to plant summer crops earlier.
Many soil-borne diseases can be greatly reduced or even eliminated by using plastic mulch.
Weeds are reduced and crops often see an increased rate of growth compared with bare soil
Specifically, cucumbers, squash, melons, tomatoes, eggplants, and peppers do very well when planted over a plastic mulch.
Because water can’t permeate the plastic, you will have to water your garden with a drip irrigation system or soaker hoses that are placed under the plastic.
Expensive, difficult to remove, and not environmentally sustainable.
Not as attractive as natural mulches.
Wood Chips
Look lovely, last a long time, and are relatively inexpensive
Because they last so long, they are a good choice for walkways and perennial beds.
Do a good job suppressing weeds, but you should make sure you cover your planting beds with a covering of mulch that is at least three inches deep.
Great at retaining moisture and keeping the soil temperature stable, but are less effective than plastic at preventing soil-borne diseases.
As they break down, nitrogen is depleted from the top layer of soil, which means you may have to fertilize more often.
Not the best choice for vegetable gardens because you will have to remove the mulch before putting in a new crop.
Pine Needles
Last even longer than wood chips.
Great for controlling moisture and deterring insect pests.
Great for acid-loving plants like evergreens, hydrangeas, blueberry bushes, strawberries, and fruit trees
They are acidic and therefore will lower your garden’s pH over time
A bit wispy, so require a thick layer to keep them in place and suppress weeds.
Straw
In most areas straw is easy to find and very inexpensive.
Is not the most attractive mulch, but is great for a backyard vegetable garden.
Regulates moisture and keeps temperatures even.
A thick layer will suppress weeds
Be careful as some contain seeds that will sprout and grow in your garden.
Quite desirable to rodents, slugs, and snails
If these pests are a problem in your garden, straw might not be for you.
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Presented by:
Tara Schatz
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Introduction
Details
Mulching Checklist Tips
- Mulch piled up against tree trunks or woody stems will encourage rodents, and could also cause the wood to rot. Keep organic mulches a few inches away from the base of these plants.
- Organic mulch retain moisture, which is a good thing, but the process can also slow soil warming. Each spring, pull the mulch away from your perennials, strawberries, and bulbs, and they will grow faster.
- Don’t use plastic mulch around trees or shrubs. Because water and air don’t penetrate through the plastic, the shrubs roots grow very close to the surface. The shallow roots will eventually cause the shrubs or trees to to decline and then die.
Who it's for
This Mulching Checklist is for anyone who wants a simple, practical way to get things done without missing steps.
- Avoid forgetting - keep all your Mulching essentials in one place (external memory)
- Save time - start from a proven Mulching structure instead of a blank page
- Stay on track - track progress, come back later, and keep momentum
- Coordinate with others - share the list and divide responsibilities
- Learn the process - follow the steps in a sensible order, even if it's your first time
How to use it
How to use this Mulching Checklist
- Save Mulching Checklist to your free Checklist account so your progress is saved and synced across devices.
- Customize it in the app: remove anything that does not apply, then add your own details for Mulching (dates, sizes, addresses, notes).
- If others are involved, invite them to collaborate and divide responsibilities.
- Work through the list: check items off as you go, and set reminders for time-sensitive steps.