One of the most effective initial ways to cover, build, and protect your soil is to blanket new garden areas with a deep layer of wood chip mulch.  As they decompose, the mulch builds organic matter and increases the soil biology, resulting in healthier plants and more abundant fruit.

Although there are many benefits for a land steward when we choose to continue the wood chipping process, it's not a blanket scenario that needs to happen indefinitely.

So, if you are wondering how long you need to keep mulching the food forest or garden... the answers here might surprise you.   This episode covers practical ways you can wean off wood chips and find other creative ways to keep your soil covered and microbiology protected.