Mulch - Benefits, Comparing Mulches, Mulch Problems, and How to Mulch

In this video I describe some benefits of mulching, compare several types of mulch, describe some problems and how to mitigate them, and describe how to apply mulch.
Mulches covered include wood chip mulch, pine needle mulch, alfalfa mulch, sawdust mulch, leaf mulch and compost mulch.
Here's some info about alfalfa.
Alfalfa - Medicago sativa
Use alfalfa as a garden mulch that composting your garden to feed your soil while helping to retain water and protect the plants roots and soil. Also it's edible and medicinal! If the plants used are fresh, they compost feeding the soil while providing the benefits of a mulch at the same time!
Identification
Alfalfa is an introduced plant from Eurasia that was planted as a forage crop for livestock that is now naturalized across Canada and the United States. It's a member of the pea of legume family, Fabaceae. Members of this family form a symbiotic relationship with nitrogen fixing bacteria and increase soil fertility where they grow. Other members of the family include clovers, sweet clovers, and lupines.
The leaves are divided into 3 elliptic to oblong leaflets that are sharply toothed on the upper half and slightly hairy.
The flowers are deep purple to bluish, rarely white, and pea-like. Alfalfa grows from 30 cm to 1 m tall and is very deeply rooted.
Distribution
Alfalfa is found throughout the Okanagan and across North America at low to mid elevations often along roadside and in disturbed areas and in cultivated fields.
Edible
The young tender leaves have been added to salads and sandwiches. Dried, powdered leaves have been sprinkled on foods as a supplement because alfalfa is a mineral-rich food. Sprouted seeds are also eaten. Alfalfa is rich in vitamins A, B, C, E, K, and P, calcium, potassium, phosphorous, iron, and protein. Alfalfa is also used to make a tea.
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[@PreppingWithSarge]

100% agree Mulch is a staple on our property... we use it in the garden and around any new bush or tree we plant

[@OkanaganGardenerandForager]

Thank you! I think it's good for long term stability and of course many other reasons.

[@Pixics]

I've been mulching the last few years. It's great.

[@OkanaganGardenerandForager]

I agree. Thank you!

[@chelseahappyhome]

I really enjoyed this video!! Lots of helpful information!! I thought mulch was just for looks.. Thank you for all the helpful information.

[@OkanaganGardenerandForager]

You're welcome and thank you, too!

[@emmalee478]

Very interesting! And cute pup and kids!

[@OkanaganGardenerandForager]

Thank you! They are so cute! The pup was a great helper!

[@glazypranch279]

Great video and information. Came over from Beartaria!

[@OkanaganGardenerandForager]

Thank you for watching and commenting!

[@LH-zw7dg]

I need to work on my mulching!!

[@OkanaganGardenerandForager]

I do, too! I've still got more to do. Thank you!

[@lrrerh8090]

Oh, hi there! I’m really lucky to have a mushroom farm less than 5km away from where I live and they offer all of their spent mushroom compost for free. My suggestion would be to see if your city has a farm nearby and see if they offer it as well.

[@OkanaganGardenerandForager]

We can get some compost for free from the city of Vernon, so we use that for some purposes. Mushroom compost would be great! Thank you!

[@dallen4482]

There’s a mushroom farm in Lake Country!

[@OkanaganGardenerandForager]

@@dallen4482, I didn't know that! Thank you!

[@suzanne1975]

Great info thank you! I’ve learned something new. Can you tell me please, if mulching around a tree, if any tree roots are on the surface, should I cover those with mulch or much around them?

[@OkanaganGardenerandForager]

Yes, personally I would cover the roots. I would just make sure to not have the mulch up against the trunk.

[@suzanne1975]

@@OkanaganGardenerandForager Thank you 😊