Can mulch be used as a drainage substitute for rocks, gravel or sand?
by
Juls
+3
I bought a lot of black mulch for a dollar a bag. I am smothering weeds with newspaper and mulch on top of the paper for weight. I still have a lot of mulch left and I was wondering if I could use it in the bottom of my containers while I wait for the final death of obnoxious weeds. I would like to have some flowers this year because I just can't wait next year.
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Do n to use mulch in the bottom of containers. Keep applying to the weeds as it breaks down and the more you have on it the better it will be for smothering
Mulch is good for containing weeds, but will not get rid of all of them.
You need a good compost for container gardening that has nutrients the plants need in it.
it will most likely wash away in a heavy rain and build up like a dam somewhere. It might stand up for some light spritzes.
that is a good use for it. Lightweight, will break down to amend the soil
Here is an article that might be helpful - http://homeguides.sfgate.com/river-rock-vs-mulch-48416.html - good luck
You can use it, but it will not serve the purpose of aerating the bottom soil and keeping your new plants from drowning (unless you have holes in the bottom), because eventually the mulch will decompose.