Gardeners Guide to Using Black Mulch

A lot of gardeners out there are scared to use black mulch. While it does have drawbacks, there are also a ton of benefits of black mulch. This article will cover the basics of black mulch, how to use it, and some of the popular benefits/drawbacks. Buckle up!

What is Black Mulch? 

Typical black mulch is categorized as bark mulch. However, it can come in many other forms. Some examples of the forms are rubber mulch, plastic mulch (landscape cloth), or bark mulch. All of these types of black mulch are used to control weeds and prevent moisture from escaping.

The typical black bark mulch is produced using recycled wood from pallets, old furniture, construction sites, and razed buildings. It’s painted black with carbon-based dyes to increase the design and aesthetic of your garden.

Black plastic mulch can persist for several seasons and is comprised of geotextiles (also known as polypropylene). Plastic mulch provides the soil with shade and temperature control that kills any weeds buried beneath. It may help stop the germination of weeds as well. Some negatives of plastic mulch include that it is neither recyclable nor biodegradable. However, manufacturers are starting to produce biodegradable plastic mulches at a higher cost.

Shredded recycled tires are used to create rubber mulch. Although it is advertised as harmless and suitable for gardens, some brands contain many dangerous pollutants that harm the environment, people, and animals. To add insult to injury, rubber mulch doesn’t perform as well in weed suppression as other mulches.

This is a black mulch that I recommend. It’s eco-friendly and doesn’t contain any pollutants or chemicals. You can also order it in tons of different amounts, based on what you’re using it for!

The Benefits of Black Mulch 

Black Mulch Holds Moisture 

When summertime arrives, most gardeners worry about too much heat for their plants. Black mulch helps your garden since it will assist the plants in retaining moisture. Additionally, it supports the various natural qualities that support the development of your plants.

Improves Soil Quality 

Black mulch also helps to improve the soil quality in your garden. Because it enriches the soil as it decomposes, it is ideal for home usage.

Adds Color to Your Garden 

Another benefit of black mulch is that it gives the plants more color, retains moisture, and enhances the soil’s condition. Interestingly, there is a way to do so to enhance your garden’s overall appearance.

Stops Weeds 

You might find it interesting that mulching is an excellent strategy to slow the growth of weeds temporarily. The soil and veggies around the plants you grow are covered using black mulch. In this way, the gardening system typically fills in most of the gaps where weeds could have sprouted.

Retains Temperature 

Sadly, when the weather gets hot, your garden’s harvests could be at risk. But as long as your garden has black mulch, you don’t need to put much effort into it.

The crops in your garden benefit from black mulch’s ability to protect them from high temperatures, mainly when the weather is extremely hot or cold. When the plants are in their early or late phases, protection is also crucial.

Minimizes Evaporation 

Extreme temperatures can cause water in the soil where your crops are growing to evaporate. That is why many homeowners use black mulch to prevent such a thing. It is essential because it aids in reducing soil water loss. Along with reducing evaporation, it also enhances the water’s ability to be absorbed by plants whenever it rains or when you mist them with water.

Prevents Rot 

Black mulch serves several purposes besides only supplying the right soil nutrients. Additionally, it can stop your crops from becoming bad. To keep them from decaying, crops like strawberries are elevated off the ground.

The Disadvantages of Black Mulch 

Black Mulch Can Attract Pests 

It can. Before moving forward, you must comprehend this. Due to the components’ propensity to attract bugs, there is a chance of pest breeding.

There are also a ton of animals that love black mulch. I know my dog is one, but some less friendly animals (if hungry) can be attracted to mulch. Coyotes and deer are great examples of animals you don’t want wandering around your garden…

It Can be Overly Acidic 

You are working hard to keep your crops safe from the weather and other factors that could destroy them.

On the other hand, utilizing black mulch might not be the only way to do that. Some gardeners have reported seeing acidic contents on their crops after using black mulch. That is plausible given that acidity can be triggered by black organic mulch. When it is left to deteriorate and unused, it does that. The removal of nitrogen from the soil follows that. It eventually reaches an acidic state, which tends to harm the crops it was supposed to protect.

Black Mulch Creates Toxins 

The propensity of black mulch to produce poisons in the soil is one last drawback. The simple answer is that the likelihood of attracting unwanted items increases with the length of the breakdown period. To avoid this, cover the soil with a piece of plastic before adding your black mulch.

Final Thoughts 

There is no end to what gardeners and homeowners alike would go through to safeguard their crops. If you’re a gardener, you know it’s a constant battle to keep plants healthy. In my experience, using black mulch can help you with this!

You must, however, be aware of both the benefits and drawbacks of utilizing black mulch in your garden. You can use the advantages and disadvantages listed above as guides to help you decide. Hopefully, you can now enrich the texture of your soil, protect your plants, and produce a bigger harvest!

If you’re just getting into gardening, I recommend that you have a good set of tools. This is high quality and affordable set of everything you need!

Black Mulch FAQ

Is Black Mulch Safe for Dogs?

Dogs should avoid black bulk mulch that contains CCA or other hazardous substances. It depends on the dog and whether MSC-approved mulches are secure for canines. They might consume the wood, choke on it, or be allergic to it, making them throw up.

Mulch may not be chewed at all by some dogs. Others will think about it obsessively. They might eat too few nutrients, be bored, or simply enjoy chewing.

Is Black Mulch Good for your Vegetable Garden? 

Black plastic mulch is safe for your vegetable garden, while bark and rubber mulch are not. Keep black mulch far away from anything you consume if you don’t know what chemicals are in it. Rubber mulches are equivalent to that. Vegetables shouldn’t be drawing up hazardous compounds since such toxins may already prevent plant growth.

But you can use food-grade black plastic mulch in your vegetable garden. Organic, sustainable farmers use it to control weeds around their slower-growing crops, such as tomatoes, cucumbers, and squash.

Want to read about more types of mulch? We have guides on Red Mulch and Rubber Mulch!