Using Rooibos Tea as Mulch

Rooibos tea – packed with health benefits and classified as a superfood, AND it is brilliant for your garden.

Much has been said about the multiple health benefits of Rooibos or ‘red bush’ tea, derived from the unique herbal shrub native to the Western Cape region of South Africa, but its benefits and uses stretch way beyond just human health.  It is also great for your garden as a mulch.

If you are gardening without mulch, you are working too hard.

The benefits of using mulch;

• It helps retain moisture in the soil for longer. Mulch prevents evaporation by shielding the soil from the sun. It also reduces water run-off during rain or watering. This reduces the amount of water needed.
• It assists in regulating soil temperature, keeping roots consistently cool in summer and warm in winter.
• Soil is often washed away by rainwater, but mulch can prevent this. Mulch protects the soil by breaking the flow of water and minimizing the force when water impacts the ground. It acts as a shield, which helps keep your landscape in place and finally prevents soil erosion.
•  A layer of mulch naturally helps prevent weeds from sprouting by blocking their growth and access to sunlight.
• Mulches made from other organic materials improve the soil as they break down. Microbes and insects in the soil naturally consume the mulch over time, adding the by-products back to the soil in the form of organic matter.

And Rooibos?

In an article published by SA Rooibos Tea Council, JJ van Rensburg one of SA’s favourite gardeners said “One of the best kept secrets is to break open steeped tea bags and to sprinkle the tea leaves around the plants to deter snails and other unwanted pests – it’s very effective biological pest deterrent.  Contrary to the belief that all tea makes the soil acidic, Rooibos doesn’t.  The efficient microbes (The good bugs) in the soil thrive on Rooibos leaves.”

Margaret Roberts, a prominent figure in the world of gardening and natural health has been using Rooibos for composting ever since she can remember. She said that Rooibos makes a fantastic natural fertiliser as it contains nutrients and trace minerals beneficial to plant growth.

Tanya Visser, TV personality and editor of The Gardener says she uses Rooibos Tea bags to feed the worms in her worm farm once she’s done with the teabags.

Extensive trials have been done in commercial nurseries, using Rooibos as a mulching agent. Below are just some of the observations:

1. Rooibos mulch forms a crusty layer above the soil after a few watering’s. This layer reduces water loss through evaporation and is thus ideal for reducing stress on young transplants and contributes to considerable water saving in gardens and pot plants.
2. 10% – 15% better growth was observed on young plants when using the Rooibos mulch.
3. The mulch is a natural organic product and will not harm the environment – it is attractive and will not be blown away by wind once watered thoroughly.
4. Snails dislike the slightly sharp stalk edges – a good biological pest control.
5. It reduces germination of weeds by forming an insulating layer above the soil, thus facilitating cleaner seedbeds and pot plants.
6. The leachate, which is low in tannins, is beneficial to plant and root development. Rooibos tea has been used by gardeners since Grandma ́s days for maintaining healthy growth.
7. Mixed with potting soil, it provides an excellent growing medium – light and well drained.

If you are not using mulch in your garden, you need to start today!  Using Rooibos Mulch protects your soil, feeds your soil, smells nice and the red colour adds a great contrast to your garden.

Contact Bernie Fernandes 061 5143 508 and get your RBM today still.  Follow them on Instagram 

Happy gardening and mulching Friends

Tash & Family