Mulches can be organic or inorganic. Organic mulches can be those that break down quickly, within a season or less, or that break down slowly, taking longer than a season. Depending on your flower garden needs, you may want pretty over functionality. These organic mulches listed here are ones that break down slowly and have different functions and features. These are given only as a guideline, only you can determine which is right for you.
Cocoa Shells
Cocoa Shells have an excellent resistance to compaction and a good resistance to wind. It has an excellent attractiveness, poor availability, and has an excellent rating as a source of weed and disease. It is not a fire hazard.
Bark Chunks
Bark Chunks have an excellent resistance to compaction and wind. It has an excellent attractiveness, availability, and has an excellent rating as a source of weeds and disease. It is not a fire hazard.
Coarse Sawdust
Coarse Sawdust has a fair resistance to compaction and a good resistance to wind. It has a fair attractiveness, good availability, and has an excellent rating as a source of weeds and disease. It is not a fire hazard.
Fine Sawdust
Fine Sawdust has a poor resistance to compaction and wind. It has a fair attractiveness, good availability, and has an excellent rating as a source of weeds and disease. It is not a fire hazard.
Wood Chips
Wood Chips have a good resistance to compaction and an excellent resistance to wind. It has a good attractiveness, good availability, and has an excellent rating as a source of weeds and disease. It is not a fire hazard.
Shredded Bark
Shredded Bark has a good resistance to compaction and an excellent resistance to wind. It has an excellent attractiveness, good availability, and has an excellent rating as a source of weeds and disease. It is not a fire hazard.
Pine Needles
Pine Needles have an excellent resistance to compaction and a good resistance to wind. It has a good attractiveness, a fair availability, and has a good rating as a source of weeds and disease. It is a fire hazard.
Wood Shavings
Wood Shavings have a good resistance to compaction and wind. It has a good attractiveness, a fair availability, and has an excellent rating as a source of weeds and disease. It is a fire hazard.
Wood Fibers
Wood Fibers have a fair resistance to compaction and a good resistance to wind. It has a fair attractiveness, a poor availability, and has an excellent rating as a source of weeds and disease. It is not a fire hazard.
Pecan Hulls
Pecan Hulls have an excellent resistance to compaction and a good resistance to wind. It has an excellent attractiveness, a fair availability, and has an excellent rating as a source of weeds and disease. It is not a fire hazard.
Corn Cobs
Corn Cobs have a good resistance to compaction and wind. It has a poor attractiveness, a fair availability, and has a poor rating as a source of weeds and disease. It is not a fire hazard.
Cottonseed Hulls
Cottonseed Hulls have a good resistance to compaction and a poor resistance to wind. It has a fair attractiveness, a poor availability, and has a good rating as a source of weeds and disease. It is not a fire hazard.
These organic mulches take a long time to break down compared to other organic mulches. While some are unsightly, depending on what you have in mind, one may be right for your garden.
For More On This Topic:
Inorganic Mulches For Your Flower Garden
Organic Mulches For Your Flower Garden That Break Down Quickly
Source:
University of Missouri Extension: Mulches
Tina Samuels - Tina Samuels specializes in health, animal, and gardening articles. She authored "A Georgia Native Plant Guide".
