We are fortunate to live in a county that will bring it’s residents free truckloads of mulch, which we plan to use in abundance in our gardening. Recently, we got 2 dump truck loads, which we spread thick on land we had lined with cardboard to keep the weeds from coming up. We plan to let the mulch cure a little before we plant in it this Spring.
Mulching the garden will help our plants stay hydrated during the draught like summers that we get here in Texas. It will also provide a habitat for the beneficial insects that we want in our soil. Naked dirt is the most unhealthy dirt, so we’ve provided a nice Winter ensemble to clothe our garden plot. Fallen leaves are currently blanketing the mulch, adding to the ground cover. As our crops die, we will chop them and drop them in place to continue the mulch cycle in following seasons and years. As the organic matter breaks down, compliments of those beneficial bugs and microbes, it provides nutrients for our future seasons, as well. While our mulch is sitting, the chickens are scratching though it, eating weed seeds and insects, and providing fertilizer. Come spring time, it will be ready to start our food forrest. We’re very excited!