Episode: 9
Title: Mulching Waterwise
Broadcast: 31st October 2015
Presenter: Darren Seinor

If there is one thing all West Aussies gardeners can be sure of, it is that our summer will be long, hot and dry and if we want our precious gardens to not merely survive but thrive through these trying months, we have to make sure we do everything we can to help.

• One of the simplest and most effective ways to soften the blow of summer in our gardens is to mulch.
• Mulch acts as a sunscreen or insulation blanket from the extremes of summer for our soil by keeping it cooler and greatly slowing evaporation. It should be applied at a rate of 50-100mm thick remerging to thin it out around the base of plants.
• The best mulches consist of coarse irregular shaped particles that won’t pack down. Waterwise mulch will allow water from rainfall or sprinklers to quickly past through and soak in the soil below where needed.
• Non-waterwise mulches tend to be soft and fluffy which will eventually form an impenetrable water absorbent barrier on the surface, preventing water movement through to the soil and in some cases actually absorbing water out of the soil doing more harm than good.
• Mulches like Bailey Moisture come with Waterwise and smart approved watermark symbol on the bag. These symbols let you know that they have been designed with the WA condition mind. When applied correctly, top quality mulch like this will not only keep your silt in great condition but it will also help to smoother weeds seeds preventing germination and saving you work in the long run.
• An important point to remember is that you should avoid applying mulch to dry soil. If your garden bed soil is dry or water repellant, it pays to apply soil amendments and a wetting agent first. That way your soil will be in great condition and the mulch will then protect it and help to maintain that good condition.
• Waterwise mulch is your garden’s best friend. It does so much to protect the soil by reducing moisture loss, slowing weed growth and cutting erosion from wind and water. Your plants will be far less stressed, you’ll save water and your garden will look great.

Water Corporation: Contact - 13 10 39
Website: https://www.watercorporation.com.au/save-water