| If compost and worm castings are the lifeblood of the Soil Builder’s Hub, then mulch is its protective skin. At Earthly Comforts, we’ve seen how much difference a good mulch makes to a garden — it locks in moisture, suppresses weeds, and shields the soil from extremes of heat and cold. That’s why, as part of the Hub, we’ll be dedicating space to mulch production and storage, using our shredder and woodchip bays. |
| The Shredder Station Finally, I’ll be able to put to use the Forest Master shredder I bought several months ago, which has been patiently waiting for its moment to spring into action. Once installed under a weatherproof covering at the Hub, it will allow us to process branches, prunings, and woody waste from client gardens into usable chips instead of sending them away. Every load of prunings that might once have been discarded will instead become part of the soil-building system. |
| The Mulch Bays Next to the shredder, we’ll construct dedicated storage bays: Shredded bark & woodchips – ready to be used as mulch. Branches awaiting shredding – kept neat and organised. Finished mulch – separated for easy use in gardens. These bays will be pallet-built and sectioned off, keeping materials tidy and easy to access. |
| Beyond Mulch: Feeding the Soil Systems Shredded branches aren’t only useful for covering beds and paths. They’ll also play a key role in the other Hub systems: In the compost bins – providing the much-needed carbon (“brown”) balance against nitrogen-heavy green waste. This balance keeps compost aerated and prevents it from turning slimy. In the worm bins – adding texture, structure, and slow-release carbon that helps worms thrive while preventing food waste from compacting. This way, even the toughest garden waste has a role — either protecting the soil directly or fuelling the composting and worm systems. |
| Why Mulch Matters Mulch may not look glamorous, but its benefits are huge: Moisture Retention – reduces evaporation, saving water. Weed Suppression – blocks light at the soil surface, reducing weeds. Soil Protection – prevents erosion and compaction. Temperature Control – insulates roots in hot summers and frosty winters. Organic Matter – slowly feeds the soil as it breaks down. For clients, this means less watering, less weeding, and gardens that are more resilient year-round. |
| Mulch isn’t just a by-product. In the Soil Builder’s Hub, it’s part of the cycle that protects the soil, balances the compost, supports the worms, and reduces waste. |
| The Bigger Picture With compost bins producing nutrient-rich compost, worm bins creating biologically active castings, leaf kraals turning autumn’s waste into fungal-rich conditioners, and mulch bays supplying both cover and carbon, the Soil Builder’s Hub will give us every tool we need to feed, protect, and improve the soils across our Sandwich client base. |
Earthly Comforts 