Want a lush garden without breaking the bank?
Good news! You might already have some great mulching materials at home.
Discover 7 low-budget options to keep your garden happy and healthy.
Let’s save some cash and get gardening!
1. Grass Clippings
Got a lawn? Those grass clippings are gold!
After you mow, collect the clippings and spread them around your plants. They decompose pretty quickly and can add nutrients back to the soil.
Plus, it’s an effortless way to recycle what you already have. Just be sure your grass is weed-free before using it as mulch, or you might end up giving those sneaky weeds a boost.
2. Fallen Leaves
Every fall, trees around your neighborhood drop tons of leaves. Rake them up and use them to mulch your garden beds.
Leaves decompose slowly, meaning they provide lasting benefits for your soil. Just make sure to shred them first; whole leaves can mat down and prevent water from reaching the soil.
3. Newspaper
Old newspapers can be a fantastic mulch and weed barrier. Lay several sheets around your plants, then cover with a bit of soil or another mulch material to keep them from blowing away.
Over time, the paper will break down and enrich your soil. It’s a great way to recycle and keep those pesky weeds at bay!
4. Cardboard
Have some shipping boxes lying around? Tear them up and use the pieces as mulch.
Like newspapers, cardboard can help suppress weeds and gradually improve your soil. Just make sure to remove any tape or stickers before you start ripping.
It’s a simple way to upcycle something you’d otherwise toss.
5. Straw
If you have any straw bales leftover from Halloween or some other event, put them to good use in your garden. Lay a thick layer around your plants to help retain moisture and reduce weeds.
Straw decomposes slowly, and it adds organic matter to your soil. Just be cautious about using hay, as it can contain seeds that might sprout as weeds.
6. Wood Chips
Have you recently trimmed some tree branches? Turn those branches into wood chips with a shredder.
These chips make an excellent mulch, giving your garden a tidy look and doing a great job at retaining soil moisture. Local tree services sometimes give away wood chips for free, so keep an eye out.
7. Compost
If you’ve got a compost pile, you’re in luck! Compost is black gold for your garden.
Spread a layer of it around your plants as a nutrient-rich mulch. It’s the ultimate way to recycle kitchen scraps and garden waste.
Your plants will thrive with the extra boost of organic matter.