Q&A for How to Make Mulch

Mulch can be made out of a variety of materials including woodchips, animal manure, straw, leaves, and grass clippings.

The main difference is that compost is a mulch made out of exclusively organic materials.

Shred dry leaves with a mower then place in mulching bin with nitrogen producing material such as grass or bone meal and add water to make mixture wet. Cover bin over the winter and be ready to use mulch in spring.

Either dry or fresh leaves would be perfect for making your own mulch, so use what works best for you.

Not at all. The best mulch is chemical-free.

No. Left over fruit and vegetables are best used for compost.

Yes. Composted steer or chicken manure works best, and it will help speed up the decomposition of the mulch.

You can use it, but it might not be as effective as conventional mulch materials.

Use the same food waste as you would for compost. Avoid too much (attracts bigger pests like raccoons, etc). Do not mix mulch or non-composted material into soil as it is acidic and while decomposing it will rob nitrogen, oxygen, and other nutrients from the soil that plants need to grow. Let it rot, on top.

Some people put plastic covers over soil before adding mulch to reduce weed growth, but plastic will prevent water absorption and aeration of the soil. Instead, try using a weed killer before applying mulch.

That depends on the size and health of the tree. My Christmas trees have always been enough to cover my half-acre gardens.

Mulching is a slow composting method. Let it rot on top, it allows water and air to reach the soil, helps the dirt retain water, and causes the soil food web (microbes to earth worms) to flourish.

Yes, you certainly can. Shredded newspaper is perfect for mulch, especially if you lay it at least 3 inches thick and keep it damp so it doesn’t blow away. You can also use torn up or shredded cardboard and straw for mulch on top of the paper.