GREENGOLD GARDEN CONCEPTS
CARE AND MAINTENANCE NOTES

ALL ABOUT USING LUCERNE MULCH

These notes are produced with the kind co-operation of BECK'S MULCHING PRODUCTS of Goulburn, N.S.W. a foremost producer of Lucerne Mulch, and other mulching products.

What is so special about lucerne mulch ?

Lucerne is a legume crop grown for stock feed, and also for the highly nutrious seed which is often sprouted for human consumption (alfalfa sprouts). Being a legume crop the lucerne fixes nitrogen for its own use. As such, the nitrogen content of lucerne foliage is amongst the highest in the plant kingdom, and this nitrogen is in a slow release protein form.

Mr. Simon Leake of the Sydney Soil Testing Laboratories has been steering gardeners towards the benefits of lucerne mulch for many years, after research into its qualities. Particularly recommended as a mulch for roses, it represents a nutrient balance which is ideal for roses.

Advantages in using Lucerne as a mulch for most plants:

• Weed suppression and moisture conservation - requiring from 10% - 2-% less frequent watering
• Lighter color means heat is reflected, keeping the soil cooler in the hot summer months.
• Research has shown that lucerne can result in a stimulation of root growth, probably due to natural hormones in the lucerne mulch and a suppressor of root disease in the soil.
• Lucerne is great worm food and will stimulate worm activity. (Why dig when the worms will do it for you.!)

How to use Lucerne Mulch:

Lucerne hay is readily available in mulch forms. Lucerne mulch can be spread directly over the soil at a thickness of 50mm- 100 mm (2 to 4 inches). Repeat in mid-summer, allowing the beds to remain bare in winter to absorb extra heat. Lucerne mulch will maintain soil fertility but is not a replacement for regular feeding of plants. To feed plants or for peak productivity in the fruit and vegetable garden, supplement the natural nutrient levels of lucerne mulch with a good quality plant food.

It is recommended that this is applied a minimum of each spring and autumn. The addition of a layer of old pulverized cow manure under the lucerne mulch is an excellent combination. For mulching do not dig the lucerne mulch into the soil.

For preparation of new garden beds, a layer of lucerne mulch would be beneficial dug into the soil in combination with the cow manure several weeks prior to planting.

This information is supplied by the Sydney Soil Testing Laboratories for a better understanding of gardening, and brought to you in conjunction with Beck's Mulching Products Australia, and Cedric Bryant Horticultural Consultant, Canberra.

BECK'S MULCHING PRODUCTS:

• A layer of Beck's organic mulch, chopped lucerne or straw, protects root systems, helps prevent water loss and maintains a cool, even temperature around the roots of your plants and trees.
• A well mulched garden increases microbial activity, producing healthy soil structure, and vigorous, disease resistant plants.
• Reduces weeds and deters snails and slugs whilst improving worm activity.
• Reduces your garden's water consumption by 10% - 20%, thereby reducing water bills.
• Provides essential non-toxic nutrients to the soil such as nitrogen which improves the foliage of your plants.
• Straw and Lucerne is chopped into 50mm lengths, packed into easy to handle weatherproof bags, making it easy to spread around small seedlings and plants.
• Spread mulch 5cm thick on your garden and water well to settle the mulch and hold it in place.
• Eventually the mulch breaks down to create humus which improves soil structure, aids moisture retention, and improves air and water movement through the soil.

All information on this page by courtesy of BECK'S MULCH|ING PRODUCTS - available from many Greengold Garden Centres.