When selecting materials, consider these factors:
- Cost of the material. Do not spend money on mulching material when suitable materials are available at little or no cost.
- The crop you plan to much. Never use material from the crop that is to be protected. For example, do not use potato vines from the spring crop to mulch fall potatoes for the possibility of disease is increased.
- When the mulch is to be used. Select a light-colored mulch during the summer and early fall to reflect heat. Use a dark-colored mulch in early spring to help warm the soil to permit earlier planting and hasten early growth.
Spread mulches on freshly cultivated, weed-free soil before plants are large enough to interfere. Apply organic mulch thick enough to leave a 3-inch layer after settling. Four inches of fine materials like compost should be adequate. Remember that coarser materials, such as straw, settle and may require 6 inches or more initially. If you use newspaper, place three layers on each side of the row. see figure 8. Add more mulch during the season if you are working with organic materials. The mulch settles and gradually rots during the growing season where it meets the moist soil surface. Adding additional layers assures continuous weed control, a clean resting place for the fruits of your labor and creates a pleasing appearance all season long.
