The Ferment Farm
Organic Mulch Gardening
Webster’s Dictionary: mulch (mulch), n., v., mulched, mulch-ing. —n. 1. a covering, as of straw, compost, or plastic sheeting, spread on the ground around plants to prevent excessive evaporation or erosion, enrich the soil, inhibit weed growth, etc. —v.t. 2. to cover with mulch.
Introduction
Since 1981 I have been practicing deep mulch gardening. It was/is surprisingly non-traditional. Somehow people decided that bare ground with nothing growing between plants is aesthetically more pleasing. Results of this conventional gardening have created a booming business for chemical companies and garden supply businesses. If you compare the topsoil of your garden to that of the flesh of your body you would be stripping the top three layers of your skin off. This would result in having sensitivities to temperature, moisture, and weak immunities to topical bacterial infections. You would also be forced to apply excessive moisture and take antibiotics to combat illnesses.
Mulch gardening increases microbial activity, producing healthy soil structure, and vigorous, disease-resistant plants. Recently it has been coined with the name “SYNERGISTIC AGRICULTURE” by a French gardener Emilia Hazelip. She has nailed exactly what I have done.
MULCH GARDENING’S MAIN BENEFITS
 | LESS WATER: Mulch can save up to 73% of water loss through evaporation. Eventually the mulch breaks down to create humus that improves soil structure, aids moisture retention, and improves air and water movement through the soil. |
 | LESS WASTE: Through composting and mulching we can save our dwindling landfill areas. Our 35’ x 35’ garden uses over 200 bags of leaves per year alone! In Australia, Melbourne city water and waste management officials have successfully launched a public awareness campaign where thousands of gardens have implemented sensible, cost-saving and environmental gardening practices. |
 | WEED FREE: Weed seeds can accumulate in topsoil and can potentially germinate for two to five years. By creating a “blanket” of organic material you restrict unwanted seeds’ light. Without light and heat these unwanted seeds remain dormant, and if they do germinate they cannot break through the “blanket” quickly enough for photosynthesis to feed the unwanted growing plant. |
 | ORGANIC FOOD: Mulch gardening provides essential non-toxic nutrients to the soil (such as nitrogen which improves the foliage of your plants). You can maximize your garden into a totally organic food factory through the creation of a strong garden ecosystem utilizing biodiversity and the promotion of healthy insects. Why continue to poison ourselves with vegetables grown in noxious toxins? |
| WEED FREE: Did I say WEED FREE? That’s RIGHT! Weeding and watering is POOR TIME MANAGEMENT!!!!! |
Enjoy the satisfaction of becoming self-sufficient and learn how to turn unused lawn into a food factory.
This website was started in 2000, remade in 2025, but I also have an old Weebly blog (warning: may contain child-like adult viewing matter. View at own risk).
Microorganisms and worms do not hibernate; provide a nice blanket to keep them warm and active throughout the winter.
I also consult! Home food garden design, edible landscaping, and creative irrigation.
Here you can find step-by-step guides to mulch gardening.