Making Mulch with Storage Boxes
Using mulch in your garden is one of the many ways to help insure your plant life thrives. Mulch acts as a barrier to protect the soil from airborne contaminants, whilst also retaining necessary moisture. As mulch breaks downs organically, it contributes the nutrients in the soil, thereby contributing to further plant growth. It’s a classic example of the “circle of life” we all know so much about.
Normally we purchase our mulch from the DIY centre or garden store. But did you know you can make your own for next to nothing?
Mulch consists of garden and yard waste, a bit of water, and a few weeks of waiting. Your only investment is a leaf shredder and some containers to store it in. Large plastic storage boxes are a great tool for this job. In fact, while you can make your mulch outside in the corner of your lot, using a plastic box will hasten the process and give you a better product.
You begin by collecting your mulch material. Look for fallen leaves, twigs, small branches, grass clippings, and anything else you can find that’s organic. Run the leaves and any twigs or small branches through the leaf shredder. Reducing them in size will cause them to compact. Compaction is a necessary ingredient to good mulch.
With all your material prepared, toss it into the box, add enough water to make it damp, then stir the contents with a stick or shovel. Put the lid on the box and put it on a shelf as high as it can comfortably go. Making mulch requires heat so if your shelving units get any direct sunlight, that’s even better. Within 3 to 5 weeks you should have excellent mulch to place around your plants, shrubs, and trees.
