How to conserve water by mulching

Responsible water usage should be a fundamental element in all garden design, and ongoing water-saving practices should form part of all gardening activities.

What is mulching

Adding a layer of material to the surface of exposed soil is termed ‘mulching’. Almost any material can be used successfully as mulch, including inorganic materials such as plastic. Organic mulching – using pine bark or compost for example – is preferable, as the material is easily broken down in the soil.

Mulching has several benefits

• Conserves water
• Reduces evaporation of soil surface
• Mediates soil temperatures
• Reduces weed growth

There are different types of organic mulch including:

• Leaves
• Wood chips
• Grass cuttings
• Straw
• Compost

Stockosorb

• Stockosorb is a water retaining polymer that increases the water holding capacity of soil.
• Stockosorb amended soil needs to be watered thoroughly to activate the polymer.
• Once active,Stockosorb will retain water, preventing runoff and the loss of nutrients. The frequency of
  irrigation can thus be reduced by at least 50 %.