Spring is almost in bloom, and that means it’s time to start gardening! For a first-time gardener, it’s normal to have doubts when planting your first patch of flowers. It’s okay! A little bit of research goes a long way in the world of landscaping. When considering the best mulch for your flower beds in Jefferson City, Mo, Boulder Creek Lawn & Landscape has just the insight you need.
First things first, you need to know how to differentiate the categories of mulch before you begin packing it onto your flower beds. Let’s start with organic mulch vs. inorganic mulch. Organic mulch is, well, organic! This mulch type is often made up of manure, straw, bark, and just about any other once-living product. Some popular organic mulches in the mid-Missouri area include cedar mulch, cocoa hulls, recycled paper, and pine straw mulch. Red mulch is also organic if it's sourced from tree bark that is naturally red.
Inorganic mulch is popular because it doesn’t break down like organic mulch. Depending on what landscape project you’re dealing with, inorganic mulch has its perks. Some common inorganic mulches are rubber mulch, dyed brown mulch, rocks or gravel, and fabric sheets. Inorganic red mulch is often made from recycled rubber and plastic that is dyed red. You can pick up organic or inorganic mulch at our retail location! Stop by or give us a call to see what we have on site today!
Wood and bark: Mulch from trees is one of the most popular products for flower beds, and rightfully so. A thin layer of nice, aged wood mulch can do wonders for the topsoil in your garden! You can go to the nearest hardware store and find a simple wood or bark mulch, or you can find mulch on sale from a local landscaping business like Boulder Creek Lawn & Landscape. Cedar mulch in particular is great at repelling pests and keeping moisture for your flower beds.
Straw:
Using straw mulch for your flower beds is good for shielding them against both the harsh cold and intense heat. If you’ve planted bulbs for the winter, a nice straw blanket is perfect for overall protection and preventing soil erosion.
Cocoa Chip:
This sounds like an ice cream flavor, but it’s not for eating! Cocoa hulls are efficient at providing nutrients to your flower beds and retaining water. It has a rich color and doesn’t require a thick layer. The best part? It smells like chocolate!?
While some mulches are great for other landscaping projects like walkways, weed prevention and adding to scenery, they are not great for flower beds. When it comes to your garden, using rocks doesn’t provide any nutrients to the flowers, and can attract unwanted heat. Inorganic mulches with rubber and unsafe dyes are bad for your flower garden as well. That being said, red mulch dyed with iron oxide is actually much safer compared to others.
Now that you have a better idea of what the best mulch is for your flower beds, you can go out and start gardening! There’s also nothing wrong with asking for help. If you’re ever unsure about the gardening process or need materials in the Jefferson City, Mo area, Boulder Creek Lawn & Landscape will come to the rescue! We sell everything from starter fertilizer to accent boulders. Reach out today and we’ll make sure your flower beds thrive this spring!
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