Mulch

midgehater · 28 March 2017 at 9:57PM

Any ideas on the cheapest way to cover bare soil in the garden ( mulch ) please

Mr.Generous · 28 March 2017 at 10:15PM

I used to use grass cuttings as mulch, very cheap obviously. I only stopped because wife didn't like how it looked!

I used to do the garden but I don't get out mulch any more.

madjackslam · 29 March 2017 at 8:54AM

What can you get your hands on? Do you know anyone who can get you bulk "stuff" cheap? And can you store it somewhere if it's too fresh (eg, stable manure)? Can you make your own compost?

If you have to buy stuff in, it's simply a case of looking for the best deals locally.

Ebe_Scrooge · 29 March 2017 at 9:31AM

It's a bit of a long shot, but if there happen to be any tree surgeons working locally you may be able to sweet-talk them into letting you have the wood chippings for nowt.

elaineruk · 29 March 2017 at 4:48PM

Starbucks coffee give out their coffee grounds which can be a good free mulch - when I stop for a coffee on the motorway, I always pick up a couple of bags - they usually have them in a basked in a corner of the shop. Some good articles about mulch https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/composting/ingredients/coffee-grounds-gardening.htm and http://goto4gardening.co.uk/the-soil-is-warming-up-time-to-mulch/

tiz · 29 March 2017 at 5:20PM

Is it bare because you plan on planting it later? If so look at 'green manures' fast growing seeds you sow on bare ground and then just dig in when you are ready to use the space.

Mojisola · 29 March 2017 at 5:41PM

elaineruk wrote: »

Starbucks coffee give out their coffee grounds which can be a good free mulch

https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2016/oct/23/coffee-grounds-are-not-good-for-plants-its-a-myth

Fosterdog · 29 March 2017 at 7:48PM

Mojisola wrote: »

https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2016/oct/23/coffee-grounds-are-not-good-for-plants-its-a-myth

I'm not saying it's not true but one journalist doing their own "experiment" using just two planting areas and also stating "studies have shown" without then giving any example of said studies isn't what I would call a reliable source for whether or not coffee grounds are good or bad.

I do personally use coffee grounds but rarely directly on my garden, they go into the compost heap and very occasionally I'll add them to a planted area but dig it in slightly rather than on top as a mulch.

glasgowdan · 29 March 2017 at 9:56PM

I wouldn't put a thick layer of coffee grounds down as mulch. It's a highly leaching substance and a lot of one thing isn't going to provide a balanced environment for anything growing there.

Livelongandprosper · 29 March 2017 at 10:07PM

Do you have a timber yard near?

We can go fill our trailer for around £7 of bark chipings We use it on the beds and as ground cover for the hens. May have to get 5 or 6 trailers a year as it rots down pretty quickly where the hens are

UnluckyT · 29 March 2017 at 10:33PM

if you have a livery yard or riding school nearby, you could always ask if you could have a bag or two of manure?
may have to bag it up yourself, but worth asking.

Mulch

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