HO-19
2/16/51 (400)
GARDEN MULCHES E. R. Honeywell
Department of Horticulture, Purdue University Agricultural Extension Service
Garden mulches are applied for three reasons, namely, to conserve soil moisture, to reduce soil temperature during extremely hot weather, and as a limited moans of weed control. There are many organic materials that'may be used for mulching purposes, including straw, peat, barnyard manure, leaves, ground corn cobs, lawn clippings, saw dust, and similar substances. There are advantages and disadvantages for each, A few are cited, (Advantages follow numerals; disadvantages are listed after letters.)

Straw; 
(1) Generally available and comparatively cheap,
(2) Decomposes slowly, adding humus to the soil,
(3)	Increases water holding capacity of the soil,
(A)	Harbors insects, diseases, weed seed and rodents.
(B) Soil nitrogen is less available. More nitrogenous fertilizers should be added to the soil frequently.
(C) Often rather unsightly. Some danger from fire when dry; therefore, it should not be applied adjacent to buildings.

Peat:	
(1) A direct source of organic matter.
(2)	Improves the physical conditions of most soils.
(3)	Source of fertility that is slowly available to plants.
(4)	Greatly increases the water-holding capacity of the soil.
(5)	Easy to handle and adds to the appearance of the soil.
(6)	Often increase soil acidity, which is generally advantageous.
(A) Not always available, oftentimes rather expensive.

Manure:	
(1) A good soil builder, adds humus, and contains available plant food.
(A)	Source of supply is very limited, generally expensive.
(B)	Harbors insects, disease, and weed seeds,
(C)	Unsightly and objectionable to apply.
(D)	Decomposes rapidly, should be replenished frequently.

Loaves:	
(1) Generally available at little or no cost, but should be partially rotted before being applied.
(A) Harbors insects, diseases, weed seeds, and rodents.

Ground
Corn Cobs: 
(1) Generally available at comparatively low cost. They should not bo finely ground.
(2)	Decomposes very slowly.
(3)	Easily applied and gives favorable appearance.
(4)	Greatly increases water-holding capacity of the soil.
(A)	Attracts rodents, especially when first applied.
(B)	Soil nitrogen is loss available. More nitrogenous fertilizers should be added to the soil frequently.

Lawn
Clippings: 
(1) Generally available during the summer months.
(Note: Lawn clippings should not be removed from the lain, under normal conditions. Lawns, too, are generally benefited by the retension of such material. Only if the grass becomes tall and matting of clippings results should removal of clippings be practiced.)
(A) Lawn clippings often contain seeds of noxious plants, such as: dandelion, common plantain, buckhorn plantain, and crab grass.

Dust Mulch: Frequent, shallow hoeing and stirring of the soil aids in forming a dust mulch. It is questionable, however, other than through weed control, if it conserves soil moisture and reduces soil temperature appreciably. It does, on the other hand, make for neatness and a pleasing appearance.
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