This is the same plot once it has been covered with pea straw mulch. I also put a couple of rubber snakes out and move them regularly to deter the blackbirds from getting in the mulch and scratching it about. This works if you move the snakes every day. Youll also notice that I have a large rainwater tank right next to the plot. The rainwater is collected directly from my carport. If you want to use this idea, you might need to invest in a small pump as the water pressure is quite low.

Mulching Is A Must! The word mulch comes from the old English word melsc meaning rotten hay. In todays language it has come to mean any material that covers the soil to preserve moisture content, prevent soil erosion and inhibit weed growth. For organic gardening I choose materials that will break down over time, feeding my plants and contributing to the amount of humus in the soil. Many materials are suitable to use as mulch, such as: leaves, pine needles, straw hay, sawdust, gravel rocks, paper / cardboard, grass clippings, carpet underfelt and even plastic. Each one has its own benefits and disadvantages. Dark mulches warm the soil, whereas light coloured mulches will keep the soil cooler. In a cool climate light-coloured straw mulch will hold back the development of many hot season vegetables so take care with your choice of mulch and the time of year you apply it.

Ive heard it said that mulches can be a refuge for problem garden pests, but nature balances this with enough predators to consume any rise in pest numbers. Leaves are the most natural mulch of all. However most of the nutritional content has been taken from the tree before the leaf falls to the ground. Many leaves contain tannins and some have growth suppressants (eucalypts & pine needles for example), so its better to either add them to your compost heap or place them in a wire container and allow them to decompose for a year or so and become leaf mould, then use as mulch. Straw / Hay is my preferred method of mulching in my organic food garden. The main advantage over many mulches is that it slowly releases nutrients to feed the plants it surrounds.

One disadvantage is that hay may contain weed seeds, but they are usually very easy to pull. That is why I prefer pea straw usually the only weeds are peas and they add nitrogen to the soil. Another problem can be that it may become water repellent. But this is not a problem if you trickle or flood irrigate your food plots. Sawdust is probably best used by composting it before laying as a mulch as it may rob the soil of nitrogen, especially if your soil is poor to begin with. Also, it can become water repellent. However if you have a good supply it makes an excellent soft, natural looking covering for pathways. Gravel / Rocks are best used outside of your veggie garden unless you live in a cool climate area and use them around warm climate plants, such as pumpkins and tomatoes. Rocks store heat from the sun during the day and slowly release it through the night.