Facilitators-Handbook-For-Permaculture

Workshop Module 4: Healthy Soil 121

Various methods and tips for mulching

Before mulching:

• Use rocks, thick branches, or other materials to make garden borders. This will
  help to hold the mulch, give room for soil to build up, and prevent erosion.


• If you put compost under mulch it will maximize the benefit of the compost.

When/where to use mulch:

• For seeds and seedlings, mulch the land before planting.


• For trees, mulch underneath the outside leaves - continuous mulching will
  improve tree health and productivity.


• For vegetables, plants, and trees, DO NOT let mulch touch the stem or trunk -
  this is very important in the wet season to prevent rot and mould.


• Mulching paths will help save water.

What kind of mulch to use:

• Use finer (smaller size) mulch for vegetable beds and coarser (larger size) mulch
  for large crops and trees.


• When you use weeds to make mulch, remove weed seeds to use as animal
  fodder or liquid compost material – this will reduce weed growth


• Legumes, grasses, and other plants can be grown to produce mulch.


• Rice and coffee husks need to be composted or dried before being used as
  mulch - put in a big pile for 1 month or more before use.

How much mulch you should use:

• Ensure there is always a good layer of mulch throughout the plot.


• About a 5-10cm layer and a 20cm layer for fruit trees.

For more information about mulching, see PC Book MOD 4 – Healthy Soil.