Understanding Mulch - Magic in the Garden

[@AlexPlanetEarth]

Thank you Scott for perfect English and pure information.

[@keptyeti]

This would be a great video for someone studying English who happens to have an interest in gardening.

[@tangents6299]

Lol

[@lachinaaliaslauyuyuysantos8703]

😅😅 i can easily understand him. I'm from mexico.

[@shadyman6346]

He is clear with his thought.

[@kattasudhir]

He is very good orator.

[@recynd77]

And he has such a soothing voice.

[@Maria-db9yb]

I love this guy so much. He is so well spoken, his voice is calming, he has great tips, and he speaks so clearly.

[@macysondheim]

So what, that don’t mean squat. His skill in the use of firearms, archery & bladed handheld weapons is the qualities I use to judge a man

[@vicmurai1033]

The series of gardening videos created by Gardener Scott is the best that I have ever come across. I have been an avid gardener in excess of 60 years and I am so impressed by his knowledge of gardening and his ability to impart his gardening knowledge in simple comprehensible layman's terms. Thanks Gardener Scott. You should be teaching in an agricultural college.

[@cecekingskid]

Agree 100 percent. I cant believe I get to learn from this master.

[@RashedHossain]

I could listen to this guy for hours

[@ElGuzii]

You are an amazing teacher! I’m beginning to learn a lot about plants and soil. Thanks for all the info!

[@conniedavidson1807]

I bought some straw for mulch and wound up with lots of grass in my garden. I had a lot left so I spread it out on a tarp and let the birds eat all the seeds. They loved it and now I have some really good mulch.

[@missme1794]

Scott's garden is my happy place. I learn, I find his voice soothing. Like a kind teacher. And I retain the information. Thank you for making my quarantine sane!

[@highlandscommunityclub1160]

Thank you, Gardener Scott. You’re the Mr. Rogers of Gardening!

[@lrocky223]

If I were still in high school, I'd love to have gardening be part of the curriculum in Home Economics (life skills). When my daughters are that age maybe I'll go pitch the idea to the school board. Gardener Scott would definitely be the yard stick every teacher would need to measure up to. Thanks buddy

[@P.Adams626]

My high school had a Horticulture class. I don’t think they still do that.

[@Josef_R]

You better start now if you're planning to convince a bunch of bureaucrats to do something beneficial. Waiting til YOUR kids need it is a recipe for failure.

[@magicfordummiez3382]

I like how simple and easy to understand this is. It's very organIzed information too.

[@GardenerScott]

Thank you.

[@craigkurker6242]

Thanks to your video Scott gold mine.! For 23 years I have been throwing leaves + grass clippings on the side of my drive way. Because of your videos a light went on,, when I raked it it looked like I hit the JACKPOT . Ŕich compost loaded with worms and night crawlers. Thanks to I have the nicest magic mulch. Thanks again.

[@BD-cu4cq]

Excellent video on mulch and its benefits. As an organic Gardner myself, I consider this video extremely informative. A must see by every Gardner. ! Thank you Scott.

[@marvinmulford2536]

We have a large lawn that's difficult to mow always the right time. After mowing lawn I use the hay rake and flat trailer to clean the lawn. The grass or clippings is used in the gardening area for compost or mulch depending on how long it's left on the lawn.

[@Mel-jt5fl]

You are definitely one of the best garden educators out there!!! Thank you!!

[@GardenerScott]

I appreciate that, Mel. Thanks!

[@abisu5273]

Agreed, it's a great lesson.. but I live in UK and stiil wary about mulch and slugs.

[@carollorenzano5411]

@@GardenerScott Can you please tell me why Florida Agriculture Institute does not recommend Cypress mulch for garden beds ??

[@guillermone1]

Very well explained. Very few people take the time to be explicit with the information provided to the viewer. I have seen so many videos that are such a waste of time that its pathetic. However, Garderner Scott really did a great job.

[@GardenerScott]

Thank you very much.

[@srkchaxy]

Very clear and detailed. My go to Mulch guide going forward for all times

[@GardenerScott]

Thanks.

[@jeromegrant6611]

Pgmltp 🙏🙏♥️🙏😄😄😄

[@Truthseeker21000]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge Scott. I am a trainee gardener and youtube channels such as yours' are helping me greatly improve my knowledge and understanding of gardening. Best wishes and keep up the good work my friend!

[@GardenerScott]

Thanks. I'm so glad you find it all helpful.

[@junnielaine4208]

I got my wood chip drop today 2 days after I posted. I am so thrilled and they guy told us that they just got new blades so the chips are really nice where before when I have gotten them there were huge hunks and limbs etc. this definitely is the best quality and I feel so thankful for it and thanks to you for your great videos.

[@Braedenfish]

Be very thankful, we gave up after 2 years .... still found free source ...leaves!

[@capicuaaa]

Mulch is incredibly important in the context of climate change, desertification and lack of rain. Soil should never be bare. Cover it with compost, leaves, leaf litter, wood chips, heck, even pine bark, but make sure to cover it. The benefits are enormous. Thank you for making an informative video on the subject.

[@heethn]

Thanks for another informative video. For me, free is best so I use dead leaves and grass clippings primarily. The nitrogen boost from the grass clippings is like magic. I do use the rubber stuff in some areas that I don't want anything to grow. Bluejays....14:22!

[@emkn1479]

My parents bought rubber mulch years ago, and at the time it seemed like a big money and time saver. Now they regret that the soil hasn’t improved because it didn’t allow for natural amending. I’m glad I learned that before I did the same! We utilize free arborist wood chips and I’m working on planting lots of ground covers to cut down on mulching needs.

[@capicuaaa]

Rubber mulch?! That sounds incredibly toxic and just nuts. Can't believe that's even a thing...

[@Inkling777]

In the South, where pine trees are common, we often use pine needles for mulch. It clumps together, so it is easy to put down and is less likely to blow or wash away. And the rain passes through easily..

[@GardenerScott]

I like pine needles and use them a lot under my strawberries and in my garden paths.

[@ТамараБелка-й8с]

Pine needles add acidity to the soil. It is only good for acid- loving plants

[@KeithMacKayHome]

@@ТамараБелка-й8с this seems logical, but surprisingly studies have shown that the amount of acid in the needles is tiny relative to the amount of organic matter...so it doesn't change the pH of the soil.

[@junedewar3551]

@@GardenerScott My trees and rhododendrons have powdery mildew caused by many slugs and other insects. For that reason I am clearing all leaves from the ground and spraying leaves. I think perhaps the leaves would be a good mulch only if they were not diseased. Maybe when I am sure this problem is dealt with I should use a good mulch?

[@GardenerScott]

@@junedewar3551 I suggest always using mulch. Low soil moisture is one of the causes of powdery mildew and mulch can help keep soil moist.

[@carlosmendez-xq7wx]

Greatings fron Argentina!!! What a gardener you are!! Congratulations

[@GardenerScott]

Thank you, Carlos.

[@GardenDiscovery]

I'm a huge fan of mulch for all the reasons you gave, I use mostly cedar mulch. I still get alot of weeds but I find they're not as well rooted where mulched so easy to pull out the roots. And in those areas where im weeding, I sure can tell how rich the soil has become. Thanks for the video.

[@guillermone1]

I have a few big trees in my back yard. I use whatever is freely available and falls off and I can rake off the ground. I use to throw out everything, the leaves, dry branches and grass clippings, until one day I woke up and realize the mistake. Today I simple chop it up with my lawn mower, and whatever I am unable to reduce down to a reasonable size I burn it and turn it into ashes and mix it with my mulch. I achieved many things. Helped the environment, reduced land fill, enriched and improved the soil, saved money on fertilizers and today have a beautiful and healthy backyard.

[@GardenerScott]

All good things. Thanks for sharing.

[@ElevenBird]

I was at a state park where nothing was allowed to leave the park ... So EVERYTHING was left to compost The trails where everyone walked was like walking on a specialized track is was so spongy and perfect

[@vernonfrerichs7486]

Enjoy all the teachings very educational

[@iloveanthropology]

Outstanding gardening educator.

[@GardenerScott]

Thank you!

[@mhpreach]

Enjoy your videos. I was a Master Gardner in Illinois. Your videos are some of the best instructional messages I’ve watched.

[@weirdheathersgarden]

I mulch under my strawberries and squashes to stop them touching the ground and rotting. Also for containers that dry out quickly, plus my garlic bed. I just use shredded paper as I can get lots of it for free, tho I add autumn leaves too when I have them. The paper does tend to matt though, so I have to break it up every now and then to make sure water can still get through.

[@ilovetiananmen]

I used rubber mulch for playground. It works great!

[@yessicaperez3407]

Thank you for the video!!!🥰🥰🥰

[@ruthwolf7697]

Thank you Gardener Scott! I love watching your videos, so informative. You are a great teacher!

[@simonmichell7]

Excellent video. Thank you very mulch!

[@deborahlopez7147]

This was the best video I've ever seen on mulch. I could never really figure out how to use it or how it helped. Now I know exactly what to get and how to use it. Thanks so much

[@GardenerScott]

You're very welcome.

[@ilonailona9786]

100% in agreement with this comment.

[@nathalied.4202]

Thank you for speaking slowly and intelligibly, so I can easily understand you.

[@GardenerScott]

You are very welcome. Thank you.

[@skittles9970]

You're a great teacher! Thanks for the info! Just in time, too!

[@GardenerScott]

Thank you.

[@dnyaneshwarkolekar3506]

Very good 👍👍 information . Thank you sir.

[@Ms.Byrd68]

I actually did that after a couple of years in my new home, removed the ROCKS/Gravel and replaced it with Bark Mulch (landscape not veggies) and I still have the Rocks, mainly because I realized they are expensive but I don't know what to do with them, so he's right be mindful of what you decide to use...

[@prekeujkaj1625]

I think you are professor in the garden you should make a book for public to sell in amazon will quickly find yourself soon rich man

[@dianac2596]

Best informational video I’ve seen. Very easy to listen to. Thank you.

[@GardenerScott]

Thank you for such a nice comment.

[@ilonailona9786]

I just got a small allotment and will try mulching. It has stones mixed with soil already from previous tenant, so inorganic mulch, I will explore it further what I can do about it and how I can bring the benefit out of it. After watching this educational video, I feel more positive.

[@llilililli]

I am not that much interested in gardening to watch the whole 18mins video. But I love the way you speak and pronounce English and it made me finish this video. Keep up the great job.

[@arndpelzer1227]

Hello Scott, so far I followed a couple of your very informative videos and since I started with mulching last year, I clearly see the benefits. Your videos and recommendations help to improve the way I am doing things.

[@GardenerScott]

Hi. I'm very glad you find them useful.

[@duncanmaina7491]

Your exposition is always very clear and easy to follow. I am learning alot from your videos.

[@gayeoneill1594]

There is a school yard close by that I used to take my grandson to. It uses rubber mulch. It’s great for softening falls, but stinks to high heaven on a hot summer day!

[@govindasgarden]

Very helpful. Thank you!

[@kathleenosullivan8601]

Thank You for this clear & concise explanation of mulch & how it’s used! I’ve always used straw. Except for the seeds sprouting, it’s great for all the reasons you explained. Thx!!

[@GardenerScott]

You're welcome.

[@ilonailona9786]

The best explanation of mulch!

[@wickedvic6953]

Very educational. 👍 Never gave any thought to different mulching.

[@GardenerScott]

Thanks! 🙂

[@christychu2853]

Thank you for this informative video!

[@Meta-Drew]

My local landscaping supply sells a 'mixed mulch' which is all of their bad looking old stuff - it ends up being about half compost half wood chips. I spread it around and after a rain all the compost goes to the bottom and the chips stay on top - I'm slowly trying to build a no dig(back to eden-ish?) garden and this stuff already being broken down really speeds up the process, I don't have good soil at all but things grow amazingly under those chips. Getting a yard for $10 is a great deal in my opinion

[@NINA-tz8ug]

I've been watching you talk about mulch for 15 min and I just realized we have the same peacock!

[@tennesseenana4838]

I'm in zone 6b/7a with compacted clay soil that mainly 'grows' rocks. Thank you for your easy to understand information. I'll be getting some mulch and putting that over cardboard for a pollinator planting area.

[@evaolsson141]

I like your anti stress performance....This world is a crazy stress place. And your knowledge about the garden 👊👍💚

[@karenoneill3940]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge of compost, I learned a lot!

[@homesteadinglee2067]

I absolutely love and enjoy your videos my friend.

[@kukana228]

Great video. I can see I need to think more about some of the choices I make in my garden. Thank you.

[@GardenerScott]

Thanks.

[@charliepugh9436]

I'm so glad I discovered you with such valuable information. Thank You

[@maureenpereira270]

Hi Gardener Scott you left nothing out. A well thought out and easily understood video. You made the explanations so simple but I think a lot of thought and work may have gone into the making of this. Thank you and God bless.

[@GardenerScott]

You're welcome. Thank you.

[@SUBRAMANIAN.]

Excellent Explanation and Pronunciation

[@GardenerScott]

Thank you.

[@samuelharper4596]

Dear Scott thank you for your reply I will study your videos and try to obtain the knowledge that I require thank you Sam

[@4shehadeh]

Thank you for a clear explanation. I have learned a lot from you.

[@GardenerScott]

Glad I can help.

[@savtajsingh88]

Best explanation of mulch....

[@badeds100]

Great video!

[@shelleyclarke9325]

Here in eastern WA, mulch of any kind becomes a guarantee of golf ball-sized globs of slug eggs. You can turn over mulch (after all your plants have been eaten overnight) and find hundreds on the undersides of the mulch.

[@MuhammadUsman-xg4yn]

You are really amazing agriculture field teacher.

[@lisakelley9451]

We have a number of sawmills in our area... for a long time we could get them to fill up our truck beds with shredded waste. In recent years they've pretty much put the stop on that... not sure why! Their mountains of shredded wood waste just seem to be growing! I'll try again this year... For our sandy soil, nothing seems to be effective as about 6 inches of shredded wood mulch. That being said, I just ordered a leaf blower/vaccuum/mulcher... I have a LOT of oak, hickory and elm leaves near the south end of my property. I figure in the absense of shredded wood, I can use shredded leaves. What doesn't go directly to the garden beds can go into the chicken coop for some "speed composting" -- then eventually back to the gardens with the finished product.

[@ABamaGardener]

Please, Please add to this video sourcing your organic mulches. For instance, Straw now-a-days is dried using Round-up just before cutting. This can leach into your soil. Hay they use Grazon. this stays viable even thru manure and composting and will distort your veggies. Grasses may have all the typical chemicals a home owner feeds their lawns with. In my state of Alabama it is very hard to find "Chemical Free" mulches anymore. This year I looked toward Mother Nature and just picked up some live oak leaves. Normally they are a pain because they dont break down fast at all but, as a mulch they are working fantastic covering the soil and keeping it cool and for the most part are staying in place.

[@philisbramlett6890]

Hello Gardener Scott., I'm getting a small amt. of "shredded cedar mulch out of necessity . I don't have a vehicle , this was what was offered that I could afford . I use my cardboard , grass clippings and few leaves from mowing , for my landscape flower gardens . I use organic fertilizers as directed . My purchases are good plants usually, out of season that do well with TLC 💓. I am so overwhelmed by weeds that I'm am going to use a good landscape fabric in one area just to give myself some time to save for plants , remove the old woodchips that never broke down , replace them , rebuild the soil . I'm also using it in a pathway with pea gravel . I was discouraged from doing this after I had sod and gravel removed from the entire circumference of this home . A task of horror for me but , easy with the proper machinery . Now the pathway itself is overgrown in weeds and I am mowing it and ashamed of myself for not following my plan of design with the landscape contractor. Live and Learn 🕯 Please let me know how you feel about this type of mulch ? I noted the wood chips placed here when I purchased this home 2yrs. ago have never changed . The ones I have put down break down and have produced rich light soil , full of earthworms . Thank You for sharing you wisdom with Nature with so Many 🕯

[@GardenerScott]

I prefer to use natural mulches that can break down and improve soil. For weed control I use 5-6 inches of wood chip mulch. Using weed fabric or plastic can work to smother and kill weeds until you can get to your plan when you don't have enough mulch.

[@MsCatiah]

I use rice hulls, organic and I mix them into my soil to aerate. It is great with clay soil.

[@Braedenfish]

That sounds amazing! What is your source for rice hulls?

[@carolynblack1060]

Again thank you for sharing your knowledge with us. So very helpful. Blessings

[@GardenerScott]

You are so welcome

[@rafa106900]

Excellent video explaining mulch. Thank you very much.

[@GardenerScott]

You're very welcome.

[@JoyfulinHope]

What a fantastic, clear and complete explanation of mulch. Thank you very much! You have a new sub 😊

[@GardenerScott]

Thanks, Angelica. Welcome to the channel!

[@dianed.1950]

Just discovered your videos. I’ve been binge watching them. Love how you explain everything. I live in 🇨🇦 in a zone 3 however lots of your methods are relevant & useful to me. Thanks for all the great videos, keep them coming. 👏🌺🌷🍁🌼🌸🌞

[@GardenerScott]

Thanks! Zone 3 can be tough. I'm glad I can help.

[@dustyflats3832]

🤣I'm doing a Gardner Scott marathon and the peacock was in the garden in last video and now in yard! He's following you.

[@feliciamason8112]

Well explained. Thank you so much.

[@elberthardy961]

I love mulch. I did see a great use for rubber mulch: a play ground. Kids can fall and even do tumbling on it without being hurt. But I don't want any on or anywhere near my gardens. Thank you for another really good video.

[@GardenerScott]

That's a good example of the right mulch for the right purpose. Thanks.

[@Braedenfish]

Be advised my Godson had his shoes and socks turn blue at daycare for weeks after playspace installation, so if ur buying for home use, ask about "colorfastness".... as many non toxic products may not stay put.

[@akaham1]

Great, thanks for explaining about mulch! I learnt a lot today.

[@conniegonzalez6068]

Thank you so much for all the information 👍🏼

[@stephenluna7932]

I know cardboard isn't a mulch but I'm wondering if I lay cardboard on top of my beds if 1) it will kill grass from growing from the grass roots that grew through my bulk delivery and some of the grass clippings I've received and 2) if it will still be safe for the soil bacteria and fungi I've been developing. To have it work as a temporary "mulch"

[@GardenerScott]

Cardboard can be used as a mulch. It will kill grass, but it is an effective barrier that inhibits air and water from reaching your soil. Until it breaks down it will have a negative effect on bacteria and fungi directly under it.

[@delroylee653]

Great advice thanks

[@malibu405]

Excellent, thank you 😊

[@JK-ox2kp]

I like to change my mulch, so every six months or so I will reapply mulch on top of the old, broken down mulch. This adds different nutrients to the soil. Spoiled hay, then crushed leaves then sugar cane mulch...

[@GardenerScott]

That's a great idea. I'll often add a layer of compost on top of the old mulch before adding the new.

[@georgeandraos6725]

Well done! Bravo!

[@GardenerScott]

Thanks!

[@LOURDZ]

Thank you so much for sharing this video , this is very useful to all gardeners, Now i will try to make for mulch and spread on the area where i do planting root crops.

[@nickthegardener.1120]

Love mulch! In England I'm using grass clippings.👍

[@barbaraperry2796]

That was awesome, thank you!

[@Changesonemack]

The grass mixed with leaves is a great point. Also, I’d add when mulching around trees do not of pile up a volcano of mulch up against the tree trunk. Keep a few inches around the trunk free from mulch. You see this terrible practice from landscapers who do corporate campuses apartment complexes, street scapes etc... .

[@capicuaaa]

Indeed; the trunk can rot.

[@debraornouski8632]

We put rubber mulch in our back yard around the plants near our pool quite a few years ago, every time we went out there we could smell the rubber, it was horrible!!! We removed it and put rock.

[@natefidalgo7625]

Great video

[@toneyjohnson8910]

I have just change my garden in to all raised beds and am testing different mulches leaves and straw and looking for other ideas. Great video

[@GardenerScott]

Thanks.

[@calmeblondy]

rhy grass grows under pine trees, I've done it, its fast growing from seed to, add a mix, it protects other seeds

[@rosebud4387]

I use old newspaper and sometimes carboard topped with wood pine chips what do you think of that???. It breaks down into the soil well and worms love the (very old) newspaper.

[@GardenerScott]

I prefer the newspaper over the cardboard for the reason you point out. Cardboard is a thick, almost impermeable layer that earthworms have difficulty eating through. If the purpose of the mulch is to help enrich the soil, newspaper is better. Both are better options than landscape fabric.

[@rosebud4387]

@@GardenerScott Thanks I will keep that in mind.

[@valsal1245]

Can I pick up semi decomposing leaves (matted and moist) and use that as mulch under my tomatoes in my raised bed?

[@GardenerScott]

Sure. I use leaves when ever I get them.

[@aceleci]

what is the difference between hay and straw?

[@GardenerScott]

Hay is animal food and is the top of the plant and usually has seeds. Straw is intended as bedding and is usually the stalk of the plant with few seeds.

[@aceleci]

@@GardenerScottyou are very kind. Thanks a lot. I am very surprised with your reply. I am a beginner and now building my own garden in The Netherlands. You help me a lot with your videos.

[@HBFREEWORLD]

Excellent informative video . Thank you ....

[@GardenerScott]

Thanks!

[@rosebud4387]

Great presentation with good information Thanks.

[@GardenerScott]

Thank you.

[@haroldingram7328]

Hello Scott, thank you again for posting so many videos. About using grass clippings for mulch. I know that using grass clippings only will pack and not let nutrients through. In my area, northern Canada, there aren't a lot of leaves to mix with the grass clippings. Can I mix some sawdust and wood chips from my wood working shop? Does it matter what kind of shavings/sawdust ie; hardwood, exotic woods, pine spruce etc. . I don't always bag the grass when cutting but like to now and then. It would be nice to be able to utilize the clippings.

[@GardenerScott]

I like your thinking. Yes, sawdust and grass can be a good combination because both will clump by themselves. Different dust and chips will decompose at different rates, so consider the purpose of the mulch when using it. Woods like teak and cedar decompose slower than spruce or cherry.

[@cqammaz53]

is coffee a type of mulch?

[@josephdrach2276]

I like to use unfinished compost as the first layer of my mulch.After that I water it in well and use some thing nicer in appearance,like grass clippings or dried leaves.I water the leaves but not the fresh grass clippings or they will stink.When the grass clippings are dry and brown all the way through,I lift them up and put some unfinished compost underneath them,manure on top and water deeply.Then I cover with something handy and presentable.I keep doing this and when I sneak a peek at my soil, it's soft and dark and things grow well.I guess I layer compost as a way of mulching.

[@GardenerScott]

Great idea. I like using unfinished compost as mulch.