Mulch = Moisture

Mulching planting beds can help reduce the soil’s water evaporation and help protect plant roots from the upcoming summer heat. Mulching with shredded bark or similar materials mimics the natural woodland process where leaves and other tree materials blanket the ground and ultimately break down and add organic material to the earth.

Shredded bark mulches can protect your plants by keeping the soil at a more even temperature and reducing moisture lost to evaporation. Although mulches may absorb some water before allowing it to reach the soil, they reduce subsequent evaporation, and keep the soil from crusting over, which improves the soil’s ability to absorb water.

Bark mulches and other organic mulches are available from local soil companies and home improvement stores. The Comal County Brush Recycling facility provides shredded mulch free for pickup by county residents and accepts brush and tree cutting dropoffs. Loads of mulch must be covered when transported. For hours and location, visit their website at http://www.co.comal.tx.us/rec.htm

Gravel and stone can also be used to mulch planting beds, and do not absorb water. White rock mulches may reflect heat back to neighboring plants – a tan-colored stone may be more appropriate for plants that would not tolerate the additional heat and light.

Other Considerations:

Weeds and other pests may find the mulched areas attractive, or weed seeds may be present in mulch. Keep an eye out for invasive weeds such as bindweed and Johnson grass. Bindweed has a long brittle root and will regrow from small pieces left in the soil – persistent removal or glyphosate applications may be needed. Johnson grass (shown at right) has long roots that will also regenerate from pieces left in the soil.
Bindweed
Landscape fabric under the mulch will help reduce weeds, but will have to be cut when plant positions are changed. Cardboard or newspapers placed under the mulch provide a shorter-term weed deterrent.

To discourage pillbugs, snails and similar pests from living under mulch, there are pesticides available: some are harmful to cats and dogs, so check the label if that is a concern.

Cocoa shells are sometimes available as mulch materials, and contain a chocolate residue that may be harmful to cats and dogs if eaten.