what can i use in flower beds instead of mulch

5 Alternative Ideas To Using Traditional Mulch In Your Garden & Flower Beds

• Pebbles, Rocks & Gravel 5 Alternatives To Mulch In Flower Beds ...
• Pumice rock Also known as volcanic rock or lava rock, pumice rock is one of the best-used mulch substitutes out there. ...
• Cocoa Bean Hulls Cocoa Shell Mulch: Tips For Using Cocoa Hulls In The Garden ...
• Pine Cones 5 SURPRISING WAYS TO USE PINE CONES IN THE GARDEN ...
• Rubber mulch Landscaping with Rubber Mulch ...

Full Answer

What are the best mulch alternatives for flower beds?

Pebbles and rocks are an excellent mulch alternative for flower beds. Pea gravel can come in many different shades of white, gray, rust, ecru, and can even be translucent, though that usually costs more.

Should you landscape with rock or mulch?

Landscaping with rock instead of mulch is easy and is something you won’t have to replace year after year. Learn what we think about mulch vs. rock, how much our flower bed with rocks cost and how long the rock landscaping bed has lasted us!

What are the best materials for landscaping a flower bed?

Rock, gravel, pebbles and other stones can be applied to landscaping features such as flowerbeds to suppress weed growth and retain moisture. Pebbles and rocks are an excellent mulch alternative for flower beds. Pea gravel can come in many different shades of white, gray, rust, ecru, and can even be translucent, though that usually costs more.

Can you use grass clippings as mulch in flower beds?

Using grass clippings as mulch provides your garden with water conservation protection from heat. Plus, the decomposing grass will release nitrogen into your flower beds. Never use grass that has been treated with herbicides, and avoid using grass if your grass clippings contain weeds.

What is a better alternative to mulch?

Pumice rocks, also known as volcanic rocks or lava rocks, are a popular mulch alternative because they are highly porous, which allows air and water to flow through to your soil.

What is a cheaper alternative to mulch?

Shredded Newspaper Shredded newspaper that only has black ink is an inexpensive and eco-friendly choice for an alternative mulch. If you choose to use newspaper, make sure you don't include any inserts or ads when you shred it, as those pages have harmful chemicals in the ink.

Do you have to use mulch in flower bed?

Mulch helps to moderate soil temperature and retain soil moisture which is good for the health of your plants. Adding a layer of mulch to your flower beds also improves the appearance of your beds and suppresses weed growth. Additionally organic mulches provide nutrients to your plants as they breakdown.

Can you use rocks instead of mulch in flower bed?

One of the biggest benefits of choosing rock flower beds is that the rocks do not decay or decompose. Certain mulches start to decompose as soon as they're exposed to elements like rain and snow. So, while mulch must be replaced every season, rocks last many times longer and may even last the lifetime of your garden.

Are pebbles better than mulch?

Rocks are great at suffocating weeds and show a better success rate at weed-prevention than mulch. Stone cover is perfect for low-water gardens and landscapes. However, stones aren't the perfect solution for gardens that may get a lot of sun because they can hold more heat than mulch.

Can I use pea gravel instead of mulch?

You can also use pea gravel instead of sand in your child's sandbox, as an alternative to mulch, and as an edging material around flower beds and trees. At the end of the day, pea gravel is an inspirational landscaping tool that has multiple uses.

What is the best thing to put in flower beds?

We recommend an organic mulch that protects your plants and adds nutrients to the soil, and most gardeners prefer wood mulch or cocoa hulls for aesthetics and ease of application. However, straw, grass, hay or paper may work for thermal protection and certain types of gardens.

What month should you mulch?

Apply mulch in late spring and early fall. As the plants mature, they will start providing their own mulch in the form of fallen leaves, flower parts, and other plant litter. It is best to leave the leaves and other plant litter in place!

Is mulch really necessary?

Why do You Need mulch? Mulch is a gardener's best friend especially if you hate weeding. A thick layer of mulch will prevent weed seeds from germinating and growing to compete with your plants for water and nutrients. Mulch is also water conserving.

What kind of rock is best for flower beds?

Garden Beds Functionality is also important. In a garden, you'll have to move stones aside to plant new plants, occasionally weed beneath the stones, and rake or blow leaves from on top of them. Best Choices: River Rock, Lava Rock, Crushed Stone, or Pea Gravel.

Why do people use rocks instead of mulch?

Low Maintenance: You almost never need to replace them. Lower Cost: Because they're longer lasting, it is generally less expensive to mulch with rocks. Fire-Proof: If you live in an area with wildfires, rocks could be better since they're nonflammable. Weeds Be Gone: Rocks can keep weeds away longer.

What size rock is best for flower beds?

3/4 Inch to 2 Inch3/4 Inch to 2 Inch River Rocks Since smooth rocks are often used to mulch flowerbeds and line garden pathways, larger, heavier gravel is less likely to scatter. If you're creating a pathway or other more decorative garden element, medium-sized river rocks might be the perfect choice!

Is mulch or rocks cheaper?

Pros And Cons Of Rocks In The Garden Lower Cost: Because they're longer lasting, it is generally less expensive to mulch with rocks.

Is straw cheaper than mulch?

Pros for Pine straw: It's less expensive than mulch, at least in the short run. It's easy to spread. It's easy to rearrange.

What time of year is mulch the cheapest?

Therefore it would be best to buy your mulch at the end of spring. This will allow you to beat the rush on mulch. This will also allow you to get it at a much cheaper rate than usual. Buying mulch at the very end of winter is also a great idea.

Are pine needles cheaper than mulch?

Low Cost: Pine needles are easier to place in the beds and also cost about ½ as much as mulch. Erosion Control: Pine needles are the best solution if your property is on a steep slope.

What is the best mulch for flower beds?

Pebbles and rocks are an excellent mulch alternative for flower beds. Pea gravel can come in many different shades of white, gray, rust, ecru, and can even be translucent, though that usually costs more.

What is the best mulch for plants?

Also known as volcanic rock or lava rock, pumice rock is one of the best-used mulch substitutes out there. Borne out of the superheated earth, it is basically whipped volcanic glass that is made up of tiny air bubbles. This means that pumice is a lightweight volcanic rock that makes it perfect for use as a soil amendment as well as mulching option. It compliments flowerbeds and other decorative plants with its bright rusty color. The airy rock is also ideal for use with cacti and succulents as well as other plants that require excellent drainage and air circulation. Plus, the porosity of pumice allows microbial life to thrive while maintaining soil structure better than perlite.

How to use pine cones for mulch?

Use them as border mulching option and create a design. Scatter them on top or mix them with other organic mulches such as pine straw or cedar chips for a natural look around trees and shrubs. Use whole or shredded pine cones around perennials. The brittle pine cones act as stiff barriers to pet scratching or digging.

Why is pumice used in gardens?

The porous surface of pumice helps absorb water and insulates the soil, decreasing moisture loss during dry periods. Prevents fungi and mold from growing, and is an unsuitable living environment for insects. Highly decorative and lends visual appeal to your garden.

How long does mulch last?

If it still looks the same as when you laid it down, then it is probably good for another year, otherwise it needs to be replaced. Replaced mulch, if done properly lasts for at least a year.

What is the pH of cocoa mulch?

Organic cocoa mulch, which contains nitrogen, phosphate and potash and has a pH of 5.8, adds beneficial nutrients to the soil as it breaks down slowly over time.

Does mulch extend the growing season?

Economical in cooler climates, where heat retained by rock mulch can extend the growing season.

1. Pebbles, Rock, And Pea Gravel

Rock, pebbles, and gravel are often the first alternatives that come to mind and gardeners claim this is just as effective or more than mulch. This method can be used for landscaping such as flowers beds to retain moisture and minimize weed growth.

2. Rubber Mulch

Rubber mulch is another hassle-free alternative. Rubber mulch has been proven to be safe for plants and since it is made of 100% recycled rubber, it acts as a barrier for weed growth, and it does have some advantages over organic mulch. This type of mulch will make its way directly into the soil since it’s non-porous.

3. Pine Needles

Pine mulch is derived from fallen pine needles. This mulch alternative works effectively just like organic mulch, and it’s ideal for flower beds. Pine cones can be found anywhere on the farm, so it’s an inexpensive way to bark in the garden.

4. Compost

To add nutrient to your soil and also protect it, organic compost might be the ideal mulch alternative to choose. Compost tends to enrich the soil and since you can make your compost as well, it doesn’t cost much and your yard gets an endless supply of rich organic matter as well.

5. Leaves

The cheapest and most common alternative to organic mulch is leaves. Leaves make quite a great mulch in vegetable and flower gardens. This can save you quite a lot of money since you can find leaves lying around, and it contains nutrients derived from trees, so it keeps your plants healthy.

6. Cocoa Bean Hulls

Cocoa bean hull mulch is another common mulch alternative. This type of mulch includes using shells of the cocoa beans, and it does just the same function as your regular mulch. This is a great alternative to wood chip mulch since it retains water better, and it’s a great way for you to increase soil vitality.

7. Landscape Fabric

This is a popular option for minimizing weed growth on your lawn. This is an inorganic type of mulch but just as effective as any mulch. You can use landscape fabric or plastic material to control weeds which is a better alternative to rocks, but it won’t provide any nutrients either.

Why use rocks instead of mulch?

There are plenty of reasons why it is better to use rocks instead of mulch for your next landscaping project, including conserving water, being cost effective, and helping plants and flowers grow. Amie Betz.

Which is better, mulch or rocks?

CONSERVES WATER. If you are concerned about the conservation of water, rocks are a better option, as they conserve water better than the mulch. Also, this means they will successfully reduce water loss necessary for the proper nutrient absorption of the plants.

What does "durability" mean in flower beds?

DURABILITY. Durability means you can enjoy the long service life. When compared to mulch, flower beds with rocks offer a longer life. Over time, mulching will wash away, but not with rocks.

What is rock in gardening?

Rocks come with a vast range of colours, textures, and types to create variety and uniqueness in your garden. Play with the colour scheme to produce your distinct design and look of your flower beds, and also choose whether you want to create a contemporary or historic appeal.

Why invest in landscape?

When you invest in your landscape, you are not just improving your outdoors. You’re creating a beautiful view whenever you want to relieve stress. Your landscape is also perfect when you want to breathe some fresh air, the plants and trees can help you.

Do rocks have more benefits than flowers?

Apart from the permanent bed flower solution, rocks have more benefits to offer.

Do you need to replace rocks with mulch?

If you’re concerned about budget, rocks can be a more cost effective solution over the long run. Despite costing a bit more to install, rocks do not need to be replaced like mulch. With mulching, you are required to replace it as it starts to decompose which means spending extra cash.

What to use instead of mulch?

Hay or straw is what to use instead of mulch for landscaping, especially by those of us who love rustic looks, live on a farm, or the love the convenience of it. Like most of the other natural alternatives, it works well to suppress weeds, retain moisture, and release nutrients into the soil.

What is the best mulch to use instead of mulch?

1. Pea Gravel. Unlike regular gravel, pea gravel stones are almost always round, small, and smooth. They are popular because of how aesthetically pleasing it looks, making it one of the great alternatives to mulch.

What is pea gravel?

It works amazingly as a mulch by preventing feeds from growing and allowing water to pass through the small gaps.

What is the best mulch for a garden?

Also known as volcanic rock or lava rock, pumice rock is one of the best-used mulch substitutes out there because it does not just retain moisture. It also gives extra aeration to the soil, prevents fungi and mold from growing, and is an unsuitable living environment for insects.

What is rubber mulch made of?

Rubber mulch is almost always made from recycled or ground up tires. We all have probably seen it either on a sports field, in a playground, or other large landscapes. Depending on the quality, it can be more expensive, but it certainly lasts a long time, unlike organic mulch. It can also repel insects like termites and carpenter ants.

How much does pea gravel cost?

Approximate cost: The price can range from about 25 dollars to 60 dollars or more per cubic yard depending on the store, the brand, and color of the pea gravel.

What is mulch good for?

Mulch is textbook material for organic landscape planting. It looks good on ornamental beds and borders and can suppress weed growth, retain moisture, insulate crops during the winter, reduce soil erosion, and can transform into plant nutrients once it decomposes.

alternatives to mulch in flower beds

We have FOUR! dogs and are tired of the mulch in the flower beds because the dogs chew on the mulch, it gets scattered, they pull up the landscape cloth etc... (the solution has to work with keeping the dogs) :) Also we have Georgia red clay everywhere and it's just a mess.

Comments (7)

Fence the beds or surface them with cobbles. Also tell the dogs not to mess up the beds. If you confine dogs and then let them do whatever they want you end up with a wasteland - especially when the dogs are young.

What are some good nitrogen fixer plants?

The best nitrogen-fixing cover plants are Field Pea, Crimson Clover, Cowpea, and Berseem Clover.

Do you need full sun for mulch?

When you are using a mulch like wood chips for example it doesn’t really matter if you use it in an area with full sun or with shade. On the other hand, some ground cover plants will need full sun or shade. Make sure to check the location where you want to use the ground cover and use shade-loving ground cover plants if the area is in the shade and sun-loving ground cover plants for areas with full sun.

Can you use ground cover as mulch?

There are two things on which you have to keep an eye out when it comes to ground covers, make sure that they can be grown in your area and they do not grow taller than the plants for which you are using the ground cover as mulch. If you want to know what are the best mulches for your vegetable garden then check out my recent article Best Mulch For Vegetable Garden ( Top 10 Mulches ).

Do mulches absorb nitrogen?

Organic mulches on the other hand do not have the capability to absorb nitrogen from the air and transport it to the ground, so ground cover plants are definitely the way to go instead of mulching in these areas.

Do ground cover plants need direct sunlight?

Most weed seeds need direct sunlight in order to germinate and sprout, and the ground cover plants will not allow direct sunlight to come in contact with the soil, especially once they are established.

Do groundcovers retain water?

For the most part living plants do retain more water than decaying plant matter like organic mulches. The more densely packed the groundcover is the more water it will be able to retain, this added moisture to the topsoil is not only beneficial for the plants but for the microorganisms and bugs that live in the soil. One of my favorite ground cover plants that is excellent at retaining water is the Creeping Phlox (Phlox Subulata).

Do you need to mulch ground cover?

Until then you should definitely use mulch, and once the ground cover is established you will no longer need to use mulch.

What is mulch for flower beds?

There are several types of commercially available mulch available for your flower beds. Mulch helps improve soil moisture, prevents plants from drying out too quickly, and reduces erosion and compaction issues. It also suppresses weeds and protects your perennials and bulbs from drastic changes in the weather. Plus, many gardeners appreciate the look of mulch! So, which terms should you search for while ordering mulch or picking it up at the garden center? What types of mulch are available, and which is the right choice for your garden?

What is the best mulch for a garden?

Wood Mulch. By far the most popular type of mulch, wood mulch in the form of wood chips, shredded wood, or tree bark are available at most garden and hardware stores, and may even be available through local municipalities or parks. Cedar and eucalyptus mulches are particularly well-suited for water retention and for keeping pests away ...

What is cocoa bean mulch?

Cocoa bean hulls have picked up popularity in recent years for their pleasant, chocolatey scent and attractive color. This unique type of mulch is excellent for flower beds, as they provide nutrients, protection, and water retention.

How to keep mulch from getting moldy?

Here are a few tips for maintaining your mulch, and for keeping your beds looking fresh: If mulch develops mold, use a hand rake to turn the mulch, allowing the moldy parts to become exposed to airflow. Most molds that grow on mulches won’t injure your plants, but mitigating the mold is easy and quick.

What to do with old wood in flower beds?

Remove old wood, leaves, and dead plants before mulching. Choose an organic mulch for your flower beds, such as wood chips or bark. Wood mulches provide a slow release of nutrients as they break down, and you won’t need to pull the mulch later in the season.

What is recycled rubber mulch?

Recycled Rubber Mulch. Rubber mulch is usually made from shredded tires, and doesn’t decompose. While rubber mulch is a popular choice for walkways and playgrounds, but isn’t suitable for flower beds: chemicals and dyes from the rubber may leach into the soil.

How long does mulch need to dry before bleed?

Colored mulch can stain your walkways during overwatering, so spread mulch on a day when no rain is expected. After 24 hours , the mulch should be fully dried and the colors won’t bleed.

How to make a river rock flower bed?

Rake off excess old mulch. Add landscape fabric under rocks. Hammer in pins about every 12″ to secure. Place your plants on the landscape fabric to determine placement. Once you have determined plant placement, cut into fabric and plant. Place river rock in flower bed.

What are some ideas for rock landscaping?

Other rock landscaping ideas could include: adding rock around trees, under or by a water feature, creating a dry rock creek, etc.

What Does A White Rock Flower Bed Cost?

The landscape area around our patio is pretty large. I think it took about 20 bags of river rock. The total for this project came to around $175.

How to make a flower bed biodegradable?

Remember a simple rule: use a one-season, biodegradable mulch in your flower beds, such as cocoa bean husks, dried grass clippings, shredded leaves, compost, whatever. A minimum two-inch layer, it will last a season then compost down into a nice organic additive to your topsoil. You need to dig a hole or dig up a plant, you pretend it isn’t there, it’s the same as your soil. The next year, you add more. This is gardening.

How to get rid of aster weeds?

Now go and try to scratch some granular fertilizer into the soil. Try lifting out plants with your perennial fork. Try to divide them. Try to dig a hole. You have hunks of wood everywhere, mixed in with the dirt, impaled on your fork, and floating two feet in the air amidst the branches of an aster that has tripled in size. ...

Can you use wood chips in perennials?

Don’t use wood chips or shredded bark as mulch in perennial beds. Trust me, as you gain some years as a gardener, you’ll wish you hadn’t. Though I can see the reasoning – wood chips or bark fit the bill, they keep weeds from growing in our flower beds, and shade the soil so midday sun doesn’t evaporate moisture.

Can you use shredded wood chips on trees?

Use shredded bark/wood chips only around trees and shrubs; you don’t need to dig them up and divide them, you leave them alone. Unless two years later you realize you really blew it.