Using Mulches in your Xeriscape

The Benefits of Mulch.

  • Topics: Mulch, Xeriscaping
  • Author: By Mary Ann Walz
  • Keywords: Gravel mulch, organic mulch, Bark,wood,rubber, Shell mulch, Xeriscape Principle Five: Using Mulches, Xeriscape Principle Five: Using Mulches, Garden Design, gardens, xeric, xeriscaping, xeriscapes
  • Date: May 2005

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Since the whole idea behind a xeriscape garden is to use as little water as possible, then trying to retain whatever water for as long as possible makes sense. The way to do this is by using mulch.

Types of Mulch

  • Organic mulches include materials such as pecan shells, shredded bark, pine needles, straw, or bagged materials such as Soil Mender Mulch.
  • Inorganic mulches include gravel, shredded rubber or plastic products. I prefer organic mulch in most situations; however, some plants such as Penstemons prefer to be mulched with gravel. Mulch is usually available in either bulk amounts or in bags.

The Benefits of Mulch

  • Conserve moisture
  • Moderate the soil temperature
  • Keep weed growth down
  • Organic mulches also improve the soil as it decomposes over time

In the hot months mulch keeps the soil a little moister and keeps the roots a little cooler. In the winter it protects the soil from the frost and thaw cycle that sometimes heaves plants out of the ground and dries their roots out.

Applying Mulch

A two to three inch layer of mulch, organic or inorganic, should be applied to all beds. Keep the mulch an inch or so away from the stems of plants. If using drip irrigation or soaker hoses, you can hide them underneath the mulch and have beds with a very neat appearance.