If you are a gardening enthusiast, you probably already know that mulching is one of the most rewarding jobs you can do in your garden. It’s a great option if you want to enhance the appearance of the landscaping while providing tons of nutrients that plants like (depending on the type of mulch, of course).
Mulch makes fruits, veggies, flowers, and lawns grow healthier and more beautiful. Plus, it minimises the time and money required for weeding and watering. And, as there are many variations and techniques, learning how to mulch properly can save you a lot of grief down the track.
So, if you:
Well, keep on reading to learn the most effective tips on how to mulch, when to mulch, and when you have to replace it. This step-by-step guide will help you avoid wasting time and money on guesswork.
The two basic types of mulch are organic and inorganic.
The amount of mulch you’ll need depends on the size of the area and the depth of the layer you want to apply. Determine the thickness depending on the type of mulch and the specifics of the garden:
Measure the area you want to apply in square metres. Use a mulch calculator to obtain the amount needed. The calculator will multiply the square metres of the space by the thickness of the layer in cm. The total amount in cubic metres, divided by 1000, will give you the number in litres. Mulch usually comes in bags in litres, square metres or cubic metres.
To decide when to mulch your garden, you have to know that your plants will welcome mulch at any time. If your main purpose is to enhance the appearance of your landscaping, do it whenever you want. However, putting mulch down at a specific time of the year brings you extra benefits:
Although the process seems simple, learning the specifics on how to mulch your garden will guarantee its perfect look and health. Properly applied mulch will conserve moisture and beneficial nutrients in the soil. It will attract valuable micro-organisms and insects, along with keeping pests away from the plants’ roots. Combined well along with the other features, mulch will make your place look neat and beautiful.
Let’s start with the required mulching tools and materials:
You can find the tools above in the local gardening store or buy them online.
It’s time to roll up our sleeves and get some work done. Use the rake or spade to clear the area from the weeds. Make sure to remove all the roots. However, if it’s too hard, cut the weeds off to the ground. The mulch will handle the rest. In a couple of months, they will rot down.
Level the surfaces with the landscaping rake.
Creating a line between the garden beds and the grass will give a neat and clean look to the garden. Edging the line will save you a lot of time and effort in the future by preventing the mulch from spilling over the other surfaces.
Use a manual edger or shovel to cut the line. You can use stones and other edging borders or leave it like that.
Now that we’ve prepared the ground, it’s time to lay the mulch. Use a garden spade to apply an even layer of mulch around the plants. Level it with the landscaping rake. As we covered above, the thickness depends on the specifics of the garden. Applying the right amount of mulch is the key to success. It should be thick enough to keep the soil from the sunlight and combat weeds but not too thick to attract pests and diseases.
Keep mulch about 3 cm away from the stems of flowers and vegetables and 15 to 25 cm from the trunks of shrubs and trees. This action will ensure the air and water flow to its root systems. Piling mulch around the stems can cause them to rot and die.
Slightly moisten the mulch with the garden hose to help it settle into place and prevent it from blowing away. Be careful with dyed mulches, as applying too much water can wash away the colour and stain stonework or concrete elements. Make sure to rinse it off immediately.
Most organic mulches like bark and straw decompose in about a year. Hardwood chips and inorganic mulch usually last 5-6 years. It all depends on the material and the weather conditions.
Organic mulch loses most of its benefits over time, and you’ll have to refresh it or add a new layer periodically. If you notice mould on the mulch, turn it and spread it so all surfaces can dry by the air and sunlight.
Inorganic mulch from rubber or plastic will not dissolve into the soil. You’ll have to replace it when it becomes shabby or worn by the weather conditions. Try to clean or rearrange it if applicable.
All in all, mulching is not a complex task for avid gardeners and can significantly improve the health of the plants and the feel and look of your garden. Yes, the techniques applied can make or break the result. So, follow this step-by-step guide and enjoy the garden of your dreams!
Skip the mess and enjoy your free time! Professional gardeners can do the mulching for you!
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