S15 E1: Mulching Magic: Unlocking the Secrets to a Thriving Garden

Old Fashioned On Purpose

With gardening scaled back due to some timing issues with the milk cows, the spotlight is on the lifesaving benefits of mulch, especially as we brace for an impending drought. Learn how mulch can transform your garden by saving time, reducing weeds, and conserving precious water.
Get ready for a treasure trove of practical gardening advice as we explore the world of mulch. From grass clippings to wood chips, I break down the benefits and potential pitfalls of various organic materials. Discover why grass clippings are my go-to mulch and the critical importance of avoiding sprayed grass. Hear my firsthand experiences with different mulching materials, including tips on avoiding nitrogen depletion with wood chips and dealing with slugs. We also touch on inorganic options like landscape fabric and black plastic, offering a comprehensive guide to choosing the best mulch for your garden's health and productivity. Tune in for an episode packed with insights and personal stories designed to inspire and inform your homesteading journey.
Podcast Episode Highlights

• Personal updates
• Benefits of mulch
• Which mulch is best...
• Biggest mistake people make with mulch
• Mulch #1: grass clippings
• Mulch #2: old hay or straw
• Mulch #3: cover crops
• Mulch #4: compost
• Mulch #5: shredded leaves
• Mulch #6: pine needles
• Let's talk about using wood chips (aka Back to Eden method)
• Thoughts on using inorganic materials as mulch...

Resources Mentioned in This Podcast Episode:

Learn more about Aquatru here: www.aquatru.com
Use the code HOMESTEAD to save 20% on your order

My garden story on using contaminated hay: https://www.theprairiehomestead.com/2016/08/curled-tomato-leaves.html

Details on how I'm fixing my tainted soil: https://www.theprairiehomestead.com/2023/06/how-to-fix-tainted-soil.html

Learn more about using cover crops here: https://www.theprairiehomestead.com/2019/10/garden-cover-crops.html

Check out my Instagram reel on cutting down cover crops and planting tomatoes: https://www.instagram.com/reel/C6JyfUNrybT/

OTHER HELPFUL RESOURCES FOR YOUR HOMESTEAD:

• Sign up for weekly musings from my homestead: http://theprairiehomestead.com/letter
• Get my free homesteading tutorials & recipes here: www.theprairiehomestead.com
• Jill on Instagram: @jill.winger
• Jill on Facebook: http://facebook.com/theprairiehomestead
• Apply to be a guest on the Old-Fashioned on Purpose podcast: https://www.theprairiehomestead.com/podcast-guest-application

Did you enjoy listening to this episode? Please drop a comment below or leave a review to let us know. This can help other folks learn about this podcast and we also really appreciate the feedback!

Chapters

1. S15 E1: Mulching Magic: Unlocking the Secrets to a Thriving Garden (00:00:00)

2. Mulch Tips and Personal Updates (00:00:10)

3. Homestead and Garden Updates (00:08:31)

4. Benefits of Air Doctor and Mulching (00:14:34)

5. Mulching With Organic Materials (00:22:01)

6. Mulching Options for Healthy Gardens (00:31:42)

7. Wood Chips and Mulching Methods (00:38:14)