Green Thumb Tuesday: Much About Mulch

Western Pennsylvania Conservancy Community Conservation gardens use compost material and leaf compost as a soil amendment and as a mulch for annual bed plantings.

Compost is added to all soil in the installation and preparation of planting beds of Community Conservation greening projects. Compost, a synonym of “mature compost,” is the stabilized and sanitized product of composting. It is largely decomposed material and is in the process of humification (curing). Compost bears little resemblance in physical form to the original material from which it was made. Compost is a soil amendment, a mulch, or topdressing depending on particle size and composition. Compost may include yard debris, vegetative residue, and wood; it shall not include bio-solids, treated wood, or other materials, which would exceed the health and safety standards endorsed by the national Composting Council.

Leaf compost consists of leaves substantially free of non-organic debris and composted through turning and decomposition creating a mulch material. Following the installation of annual plants and the installation of temporary irrigation lines a 2 to 3 inch layer of leaf compost is applied to most annual bed displays. The mulch insulates the plants and aids in moisture retention, controlling the emergence of displaced plants and a source of organic material for plants.

Adding a soil amendment and a layer of mulching material are important steps in achieving a successful and beautiful planting, as well as promoting the use of recycled materials.

Today's photo shows students and volunteers mulching annual plant displays at the Brentwood Middle/High School using leaf compost.

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