It’s important to choose the correct mulch for your rainwater harvesting basin.
If your basin is going to experience rapid inflows and outflows, it’s best to use inorganic mulch consisting of heavy materials like gravel or crushed rock, rather than an organic mulch like wood chips. Heavy materials are more likely to stay put during heavy storms.
Still want to use organic mulches? Save them for places where water movement is more gradual. Organic mulch also serves as an insulating blanket that keeps moisture around plants.
One of the best sources of organic mulch is the plant you’re trying to protect. Over time, it will mulch itself by dropping leaves and other debris.
The above photo shows an example. The pomegranate tree leaves that are creating a lovely blanket on the ground, which is already covered by inorganic mulch.
Another Learning Opportunity!
Check out Martha’s new audiobook and eBook, Water Harvesting 101. It will help you get your water harvesting journey off to a strong start.