Rubber vs Plastic Mulch

If you want to use a fertilizer in your garden, then you should consider man-made products such as rubber and plastic mulch. There are many different types of mulch which you can use in your garden, and if you are willing to use an inorganic variety, then both plastic and rubber degrade reasonably well. Deciding which of these mulches is good for you will depend upon your own personal needs.

Advantages

Rubber mulch is made from old car tires, and other products, making it a suitable fertilizer for those who want to recycle. Using rubber also helps prevent the encroachment of insects such as termites or ants. It is suitable as an underground mulch in playgrounds and racing tracks.

Plastic mulch can be made from a number of differently colored plastics, helping to warm up the soil below. Black and clear mulches warm the ground, while white plastic will reflect the sunlight and help keep the ground cooler. Black plastic mulch can be useful in deterring weed growth.

Disadvantages

Rubber mulch may include steel wires which can penetrate gardening gloves, and produce chemicals which are then absorbed by the plants.

Plastic mulch can cost a lot of money, and this makes it more expensive than vegetable mulch.