Most commercially available mulches are derived from wood or bark, but did you know that there are several other materials that can make great mulch for your garden?
The hairy stuff on the outside of the coconut may seem useless, but it turns out that coconut husks are one of many eco-friendly mulches available for your garden. This type of mulch is fairly new, so it may be hard to find in gardening stores. A quick internet search can provide you with a list of online retailers. Coconut mulch comes in compressed bricks that expand after adding water. No more lugging around heavy bags. It also stays dark and lasts longer than other organic mulches.
Coconut husks are best for plants that benefit from acidity like tomatoes or lettuce. One other thing to keep in mind is that coconut mulch may cause a slight decrease in nitrogen, so make sure you know which nutrients your soil needs and which it has plenty of before choosing mulch.
If you find your plants need more alkaline soil, a bed of seashells may be just the ticket. It’s a calcium-rich mulch that can be found on almost any beach at an affordable price for anyone.Shells are heavy, so make sure to leave enough room for roots to grow and don’t spread a layer any deeper than two inches. If you’re using your own seashells, it’s a good idea to boil them in water first to remove salt and other debris. Once they’re clean and dry, you can crush them or leave them whole if they’re small enough.
Mulching is a simple habit that yields a lot of benefits. I encourage you to explore other options this summer for environmentally-friendly mulches and lawn care practices. Find what works best for to make your own garden thrive.
Article written by City of Chesapeake Public Works Intern Lois Digges