Saving on Mulch in the Garden

mulched lavender plant

I can't think of anything that is more satisfying in the garden than looking at a freshly mulched flower bed (primarily because a freshly weeded flower bed is a whole lot more work!).  I know that the act of putting down mulch is going to save me a lot of weeding and watering later on, so the sore back and dirty fingernails are totally worth the work.

We learned quickly that buying bagged mulch is not a cost-effective option.  We much prefer to buy our dyed mulch in bulk, and haul it back to the tea room in our dump trailer.  Black mulch is my favorite, because in my opinion, it gives the greatest neutral contrast to foliage and blossoms. 

mulched flower bed

The most budget-friendly option that we've found in our area though, is the tree bark mulch that comes from local tree services.  It's not dyed, generally contains some cedar (which I like the aroma and insect repelling properties) and is either cheap or free. If you have access to a pickup and trailer, this is the way to go. People don't typically spray backyard trees with herbicides, so the risk of herbicide damage from the mulch is low.  The only potential drawback that I know of is juglone.  If the mulch would happen to contain a lot of black walnut, it could potentially harm sensitive plants such as tomatoes, peppers, peonies and roses.

Tree bark mulch isn't the be-all, end-all of mulch.  In some areas, it might even be the most expensive option.  Maybe in your area, it's pine straw, or coconut hulls, or some other agricultural byproduct that is the most affordable option.

There are parts of my garden, like my minibed garden, that I prefer a more permanent, low-maintenance type of mulch like silage tarp. But for trees, perennial food plants and ornamental beds, wood chip mulch is my favorite.

unfinished minibed garden with silage tarp mulch

A bit of caution on mulch:  Don't smother plants with it.  A nice thick layer is great, but most plants and trees would prefer a little breathing room between the mulch and the stem or trunk. That same breathing room prevents insects and vermin from setting up camp next to your trees and landscape plants.

What is your favorite type of mulch?