As a plant parent, a lot of external factors can hinder your baby’s growth, whether it’s pests, water depletion, or the lack of sufficient nutrients. So, sometimes you have to go the extra step to keep your plants safe.
With its water retention and weed suppression abilities, mulch can be a great addition to your house garden.
That said, applying mulch isn’t as easy as it sounds, as you need to choose the right type for your garden. Don’t worry, though. In this article, we will cover everything you need to know about mulch, its longevity, and how you can make the most out of it.
How Long Does Mulch Color Last?
There isn’t a definitive answer to that question, as it depends on the type of mulch you use and the amount of sun exposure it gets. The more your mulch is exposed to sunlight, the quicker its color fades away.
On average, though, expect a change in color within 1-2 years. Despite the color change, it can still work effectively, keeping your plants hydrated and suppressing the growth of weeds.
How Long Does Mulch Last in a Bag?
In a dry, well-ventilated space, mulch can last indefinitely, as proper storage prevents mold and repels pests.
So, make sure your bag has a few holes in it. We also recommend leveling your mulch inside the bag to give more room for air circulation and prevent fungal infections.
What Mulch Lasts the Longest?
If you’re looking for mulch that lasts as long as possible, look no further than inorganic mulch. While organic mulch provides your soil with nutrients, adds aesthetic value, and is readily available, you have to replace it more frequently.
Inorganic mulch, on the other hand, doesn’t have the same nutritional value, but it either doesn’t decompose or decomposes slowly. So you don’t have to give it the same care and attention.
Can You Make Mulch Last Longer?
While you can’t prolong mulch’s original lifespan, you can maximize its effect by providing the ideal environment. Think of it as going to the gym. It doesn’t necessarily help you live longer, but it’ll give you the energy to make the most out of your time.
1 – Add a New Layer of Mulch
This is the most common method to deal with a fading layer of mulch, as the new layer will add color and freshness to the old pile. However, we recommend making a thorough examination before adding the new layer.
If your mulch is rotting, adding a new layer won’t help. It’s better to replace it altogether. If it’s not too far gone, remove some of the decaying mulch to give more room for a new patch.
You should also inspect the depth of your current mulch layers to identify how much you need to add. Remember, you don’t want your mulch layer to exceed three inches. Otherwise, it’ll absorb too much water and oxygen.
2 – Pull Growing Weed
While the main purpose of mulch is to keep weeds from growing, it doesn’t stop their growth altogether. You can keep their growth under control by pulling them before they produce seeds.
Not only would you be making your mulch’s job easier, but you’d also be allowing your plants to absorb all the nutrients they need. Since seeds absorb water and nutrients, waiting too long to pull weeds out would put your plants at risk.
3 – Turn and Rake Your Mulch
When you spread your mulch, the top layer receives all the sunlight, causing it to decompose. So, when you turn it upside down, you give your mulch a fresh look and allow the fresh bottom side to receive some sunlight, prolonging your pile’s effectiveness.
Additionally, raking your mulch prevents the growth of fungal infections and increases air circulation.
4 – Use Rubber Mulch
Rubber mulch is like natural mulch on steroids. Not only is it easy to maintain, but it’s also less susceptible to fading and decomposing.
However, its effectiveness doesn’t come without a cost, both literally and metaphorically. It’s significantly more expensive than natural mulch, hard to remove from the ground, and may be poisonous to certain plants.
While some rubber mulch manufacturers claim their product can maintain its color for 10 years, you might still experience some fading depending on the brand.
Can You Dye Old Mulch to Give It a New Look?
Yes, you can. Dying your mulch is a cost-effective way to give it a fresh new look. The best part is that you have the artistic freedom to dye it however you want. You can mix different colors and make various patterns.
How to Dye Your Mulch
The dying process is simple. All you need is water, dye, and a spray.
Mix your water and dye, then pour your mixture into the spray bottle. The amount of dye and water you need to mix depends on the color you’re going for and how faded your mulch is.
If you’re not sure how much you need to use, you can start with a base layer and build on it later. Make sure to level the mulch to get an even layer of coating.
Cover your plants with plastic or cloth, and avoid spraying the concrete because the dye will leave a stain. It’s crucial to note that dying your mulch should be a temporary fix.
Not only will it fade quickly, but it also doesn’t offer the same nutritional value as new mulch.
How to Choose the Right Mulch for Your Garden
While there are different brands of mulch on the market, they all fall under two categories: organic and inorganic. Depending on the type of plant, where you want to apply your mulch, and how you want it to affect your environment, one type will be more suitable than the other.
Organic Mulch
Known for its soil-improving properties, organic mulch is the gold standard in the plant industry. It’s a flexible product that suits different settings and fulfills the needs of various plants.
If you’re growing shrubs or flower beds, pine bark mulch would be a great addition to your garden. Not only does it decompose slowly, but it also moderates your soil’s temperature.
As it blocks direct sunlight, it protects your soil from extreme temperatures, preventing it from getting compacted. We don’t recommend using it on sloped areas, though, as it’s quite light and will be washed away by rain.
For growing vegetables, straw mulch is great for protecting your vegetables from soil-borne diseases and retaining moisture in your soil, meaning you don’t have to water it as often.
Inorganic Mulch
Despite being the popular choice, organic mulch isn’t the all-rounder people think it is. There are instances where inorganic mulch would be more effective.
For example, if you’re looking for a product that combines aesthetic appeal and sturdiness, white marble mulch would be a great option. Since it doesn’t decay, you don’t have to worry about replacing it.
However, if you decide to go with white marble mulch, keep in mind that it will gather more heat than organic mulch. So, apply it to plants that can withstand high temperatures.
Despite being a manufactured product, plastic mulch is as effective as organic mulch. It’s great for improving the soil’s quality and regulating its temperature. Not only does it slow the growth of weed on a wider scale, but it also prevents root rot.
Unfortunately, as you might have guessed, it’s not an eco-friendly option.
What Happens if You Don’t Replace Mulch?
If you don’t replace old mulch layers after they decay, you’ll notice the rapid growth of weeds. That, in turn, would cause a lot of trouble, as they produce seeds that absorb the water and nutrients your plants feed on.
Moreover, the space inside the soil that’s responsible for the flow of air and water would be compressed. That means the growth of your roots would be limited and they wouldn’t be able to absorb nutrients to their full potential.
Final Thoughts
So, when you consider adding mulch to your plants, don’t just get any organic type and be done with it. Think about the properties of your plant and the type of mulch that would bring the most out of it.
That said, even proper mulch may not last long if you don’t care for it well. So, pay attention to any growing weeds and new layers every once in a while.
Ben has a bachelor’s degree in construction engineering. When not constructing or remodeling X-Ray Rooms, Cardiovascular Labs, and Pharmacies, you can find him at home with wife and two daughters. Outside of family, He loves grilling and barbequing on his Big Green Egg and Blackstone Griddle, as well as working on projects around the house.
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