Quite often, I like to discuss what has become the greatest game changer for me as it pertains to gardening successfully in Colorado; and that is mulching.
10 years ago, I adopted deep mulching methods in my permaculture landscape, and have been blown away at just how beneficial it has been. Here are just a few of the many benefits:
Water Retention
Beneficial for any region, but especially in a high-altitude, semi-arid region like ours, mulch keeps soil from drying out. Since I started deep mulching, my watering has been cut by over 50%. Because the plant roots enjoy the protection of cool, moist soil, there is less wilting in our hot, intense sun.
Soil Health
As discussed previously, good soil structure happens not by mixing, but by adding. In nature, leaves, twigs, various plant matter and manure fall to the ground, added slowly in layers. From the top down, microorganisms and earthworms break these materials down into beautiful soil.
When replicating this process by mulching, you protect the delicate balance of microbes, and the soil itself, from the harsh elements of the sun and moving air. The combination of gravity, trickling water, microbial action, and of course, time, creates an incredible soil structure. The use of fertilizer becomes unnecessary as your soil is constantly being fed with nutrients, and even micronutrients not found in conventional fertilizers.
Less Weeding
When soil is topped by a thick layer of mulch, it is harder for unwanted seeds to penetrate. Any existing weeds are also much easier to pull because the soil is not compacted. (Mulching creates soft soil over time and helps keep it that way by absorbing compaction from footsteps).
Once I experienced the power of mulching, I knew there was no going back. Now, it is important to note that, although any mulch is better than no mulch, I am not referring to the pretty, color-dyed, single-material mulch purchased from the store. The best mulch, in my experience, is forest-type mulch with varying sizes and composition you might score from a tree service company. (I believe free mulch is also available to residents year-round at Prospect Park). Applying this in layers to your soil, along with other materials you may have access to, such as leaves, lawn clippings, manure and straw, is extremely beneficial.
I recommend mulching as deep as desired, but at least 3-4 inches. Simply pull apart the mulch to expose the soil necessary for planting. As plants grow, the mulch can be pushed back closer to the stems to fully benefit.
Potentially helpful video content I have created, locally, on these topics:
Never Till Again! How To Transform Land Into Garden [Fast!]: https://youtu.be/0IhdvOp0g6c
Best Way To Plant Seeds In Deep Mulched Gardens: https://youtu.be/G0H_jjKS4bY
