Using organic mulch in my vegetable garden has been a both a personal, and financial choice in my life, which I have had fun in experimenting with over the years. It will take a conscious decision to use organic methods and to use nature instead of chemicals to feed your vegetables through your soil.

Mulch is mother nature's blanket for your garden, and most of the materials that you can use for organic mulch in your garden, are already within your reach. As your are probably already aware, growing vegetables does not come without sacrifice to your soil. As gardeners we need to be putting back into the soil the nutrients your vegetables are taking out. Organic mulching is one of the most simple ways of doing this.

There are some things you will need to consider when applying any type of organic mulch, such as, availability, cost, appearance and the effect it will have on the soil. As mulch acts as a great weed mat, which helps with water retention and we still want it to look good at no great cost to us.

Some of the most common materials used for organic mulch are:

- compost - this will take time to develop

- grass clippings

- leaves

- straw

- bark and wood chips

- newspaper and cardboard

With choosing compost though you will need to be patient as it is not something you can make over night. The rest can be applied direct to the soil. I tend to shred the news paper for in the compost and lay out a few layers thick, with a layer of lawn clippings on top (to weigh it down) and use it as a weed mat. The other materials can be applied direct and/or used to build up your compost.

When using organic mulch for your garden, be aware it is only a temporary measure as it naturally decomposes.and will not last. The benefit of this is you are continually feeding your soil, while retaining moisture and keeping the weeds at bay. You are also making good you of your refuse and giving it back to nature.

It is never too late to start in your organic lifestyle. Start your compost, collect your grass clippings, bag all those leaves up every fall, and keep your newspapers instead of putting them out for recycling. After all, you don't have to start out big, as I didn't. Its been a gradual transition for me, which has now become normal process in my backyard.

When it comes time for you to start applying organic mulch to your garden, be imaginative with what you have on hand. Give it a go , if you are not already, as the benefits far out-way the negatives. It is not only great for the environment, but also reassuring to know that your family are getting toxin free vegetables.