MULCHES ARE YOUR FRIEND!

Here in Hawke’s Bay, things have continued to dry out over winter due to strong north-west winds and little rain. Many plants and trees seem to be tracking ahead of schedule. It seems that this weather pattern could continue into spring. Residents are already watering frequently.

But don’t despair, gardeners have plenty of free “assistants” available: leaves, pine needles and coffee grounds.

Although many trees have shed their leaves, even dry leaves can still deliver protection for the soil. Sweep up all the leaves around your section and spread them on a clear space. Layer in any grass clippings you have. Then run the mower and catcher on a high setting to mix the ingredients. Either use the mixture straight away around your garden or store in a garden bag. This concoction heats up quickly, so can be added to your compost bin as well. I am an impatient gardener and can’t be bothered to store leaves for a year to create leaf mould. This system creates a fair amount in a short period of time.

Pine needles and coffee grounds make a great combination. Most pine trees drop their needles for years and they are usually there for the taking. By themselves they can form a thick mat and need to be mixed with other ingredients to be more effective. This is where your local café comes in. Most baristas put a black plastic bag of coffee grounds outside with a sign: “Free Coffee Grounds”. If you just put the grounds around plants they can cake, however, and form an impenetrable barrier. But if you mix the pine needles and coffee grounds in a wheelbarrow, they make an excellent combo. Last year, this dynamic duo lasted for months in my garden, providing all the things that mulches do: water retention, nutrients and weed suppression. Daniel Haddock, HAVELOCK NORTH