To mulch effectively, follow these key steps:
- Prepare the area by cleaning out debris, weeds, and old mulch from garden beds.
- If the soil is dry, wet it before spreading mulch.
- Spread mulch evenly around plants, keeping about a 3-inch gap away from plant bases to allow breathing.
- Apply mulch 2 to 4 inches thick to conserve moisture and suppress weeds without suffocating plants.
- Optionally water the mulch after application to help settle it.
- Maintain mulch by adding more as needed and raking to keep it fresh, replacing organic mulch every 1-2 years.
Mulch helps conserve water, reduce weeds, prevent erosion, regulate soil temperature, and add nutrients to the soil as organic mulch decomposes. Organic mulches include materials like bark, straw, and grass clippings, while inorganic mulches are stone or rubber, lasting longer but not enriching soil.
The best time to mulch is in late spring or fall when soil is moist and plants are growing or preparing for dormancy. Avoid piling mulch directly against plant stems to prevent rot.
