Even the slightest effort on our part, from recycling, re-using and reducing our use of plastic items to planting a bee-friendly garden or mulching, can make a massive difference.

However, we cannot remain apathetic and leave future generations to deal with the problem.

If we don't all take action and do our bit now, the question becomes, "What will be left of the earth for our children and grandchildren to enjoy?"

Earth Day is yet another way to show our support and encourage others to join the fight to save our planet. Earth Day is a global event that takes place annually on 22 April, in which over one billion people participate.

It aims to highlight and draw attention to the enormous environmental problems our planet is facing and to galvanise people to act and play their part in its protection.

Mulching, for example, is often linked to Earth Day because it is a sustainable gardening practice that can help reduce waste and conserve resources. Even if you are not an avid gardener, the simple act of mulching is an easy way to contribute to environmental sustainability.


What is mulching?

Mulching is the process of covering the soil with a layer of material or vegetation such as fallen leaves, grass cuttings, tree bark and pine needles to protect it and provide the soil with nutrients.


Why should you mulch?

Mulching can contribute to a more sustainable and fertile garden by:
  • reducing water usage
  • improving soil health
  • reducing waste
  • suppressing weeds, and
  • preventing soil erosion.

It is an easy and effective way to support the health of your garden and minimise your environmental impact.


How do you create mulch?

Leaves can be turned into mulch when mowing the lawn as the lawn mower will cut them into small pieces and mixed with the grass cuttings will provide you with free organic mulch to spread over your lawn and beds.

Here's how to do it:

Adjust your lawn mower
You can adjust your lawn mower's cutting height before mowing to make sure that the grass is not cut too short, which can damage the lawn.

Mow
Start mowing your lawn in a regular pattern, going back and forth in straight lines. The leaves and grass clippings will be chopped into smaller pieces as you mow. If you have a lot of leaves on your lawn, you may need to mow over them several times to ensure they are chopped into small enough pieces to break down easily.

Let the mulch settle
After mowing, you can either rake the grass clippings and leaves evenly over your lawn, which will benefit from the nutrients and / or spread them over your beds. Allow the mulch to settle for a few days, then water it well to aid decomposition.

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