If there is one gardener’s best friend it’s mulch. In essence, mulch is a substance that is spread on top of the topsoil offering myriad benefits such as saving water, suppressing weed germination, maintaining soil temperature, and gradually making the soil Earthier.
But in Calgary’s radically different climate (we get extremely cold and our soil varies widely), choosing the right mulch for our fluctuating temperatures and conditions can be crucial. Natural mulches fulfill that role of protecting the soil and promoting earthworms and other beneficial organisms, and they release the nutrients as they decompose, all to the benefit of your garden and the environment.1
In today’s post we’ll learn about different types of natural mulches which are suitable for Calgary gardens and can make your searches easy to pick the ideal one for your green space!
Table of Contents
Bark Mulch
Bark mulch is one of Calgary’s go to choices for professional landscaping. Bark mulch is available in shades and sizes and provides great weed control and long lasting appearance. In particular, cedar bark is decay resistant and smells nice, making it a first choice for a decorative garden.
Grass Clippings
You’ll be sad to have mowed your Calgary lawn and not pop precious grass clippings on top for your chickens, ducks, or guinea feathers to devour as pets. Potassium and nutrients in grass increase your plant growth. It’s easy to gain nutrition for your garden beds by spreading a thin spread of clippings. All you have to do is make sure the grass is dry and the chemicals or weeds are gone before applying.
Straw
Calgary gardeners like straw for mulch because it’s a pretty golden colour, and because it’s practical. During Calgary’s dry times, it helps retain soil moisture, and is especially useful. For best results, once you have watered or it rains, apply a thick layer around your plants. Straw can be found at your garden center or through a local farmer.
Pine Needles
One of the best mulch options that Calgary’s pine trees offer (and will provide naturally) is pine needles. These little, durable needles protect soil and add a beautiful, rustic touch to your garden beds. Pine needles are slightly acidic, which makes them an ideal choice for seedlings, acid loving plants – such as hydrangeas, rhododendrons and tomatoes.
Compost
Don’t throw away organic waste when you can make gold for your garden. Kitchens scraps, yard waste and dried leaves are good options for compost for the Calgary garden as they make great soil conditioner. To get more soil fertility throughout the growing season, spread it as a top layer in your beds.
Wood Chips
Wood chips are a favorite for Calgary homeowners because they are a long lasting, visually appealing option. Natural or colored wood chips, they’re sold at most garden centers and when you buy them they come in untreated natural wood chips. Pathways or decorative garden beds become most useful with their usage as wood chips for weed control and moisture retention.
Sawdust
One of you must be a DIY type who has wood projects and therefore has waxed wood filler and sawdust. This is an effective mulch — though you should use it sparingly because of its high absorbency and acidity. For acid loving plants, sawdust is best and applied in a thin layer to avoid clumping.
Dead Leaves
Calgary’s autumn leaves don’t have to decay in the garbage. A cost free, nutrient rich mulch for your garden – dead leaves. Spread them out over your beds and shred them to prevent matting, and spread them out over your beds in a protective layer also adding to the soil.
Calgary-Specific Mulch Tips
- Weather Considerations: Calgary’s variable weather can dry out soil quickly. Mulch helps retain moisture and protect plants from temperature fluctuations.
- Local Sources: Many garden centers in Calgary stock natural mulches like straw, wood chips, and bark mulch. Check with local suppliers for organic and untreated options.
- Layering: To maximize the benefits, apply mulch in layers about 2–4 inches thick. Replenish as needed, as natural mulches decompose over time.
Why Mulch is Essential for Calgary Gardens
Caring for your Calgary garden using natural mulch is one of the best investments you’ll make. And it keeps your garden beds healthy, conserves water, and encourages your plants to grow in Calgary’s unique climate. Whichever you go with – grass clippings, compost or bark mulch – this simple – and highly effective – gardening practice will benefit your garden.
At Landgraf Lawn Care, we’re here to help with all your landscaping and garden maintenance needs. Let us assist you in creating the lush, healthy garden you’ve always wanted—Calgary-style!
Citations
- The City of Calgary. (2015). proper mulching too much mulch. https://www.calgary.ca ↩︎
