Unlock the Secrets of Mulching
Welcome to the world of mulching – an essential task for any gardener wanting to boost the health and productivity of their garden, whether it's in the ground or in containers.
Below we walk you through the ins and outs of mulching, and why it is not just beneficial for your garden but crucial in helping it thrive in every season.
Benefits of Mulching
There are many benefits to mulching, such as:
- Improving Soil and Nutrients: Think of mulch as nature’s cosy blanket over your garden soil. It provides a protective layer, locking in moisture and suppressing weed growth. As it naturally breaks down it enriches and improves the health of your soil which encourages micro-organisms and worm activity.
- Protecting Soil and Extending the Growing Season: Mulch plays an important role in regulating soil temperatures. It keeps the soil cooler in summer and insulates plants in winter. Consistent, even soil temperatures help lengthen the growing and harvesting season.
- Keeping Your Crops Clean: Watering onto mulch instead of bare soil minimises soil splatter on your plants and crops. This is especially helpful for fruits like strawberries, helping them stay dry and reducing the risk of rot.
- Locking in Nutrients: Mulch serves as a barrier against nutrient loss/leaching, especially during heavy rain. It absorbs extra water and then gradually releases it back into the soil at a more regulated rate.
- Reducing Plant Stress: Mulch is a lifesaver in the hot summer months, protecting plants from heat stress and wilting, promoting healthy, productive growth.
Selecting the Right Mulch
Opt for a bark-based mulch-wood product which breaks down slowly, making it ideal for long-lasting coverage. Other mulches such as pea straw break down faster, reducing the mulching effect and need to be reapplied more often. Explore our range of bagged mulch and bark products.
Need a larger quantity? Our Landscape Supplies Yards have you covered.
Determining the Right Amount of Mulch
Apply mulch to a depth of 5-10cm, depending on your garden's needs. It is a physical barrier so light layers will have little to no effect.
A thicker layer is perfect for trees, ornamental shrubs, or flower gardens while a lighter layer (around 5-6cm) suits your veggie garden.
Not sure how much to use?
Check out our handy Volume Calculator here.
Best Time to Mulch & When to Reapply
You can apply mulch to your garden or containers any time of the year.
Reapply it seasonally to maintain its benefits as it breaks down over time.
Mulching for Container Plants
Don’t forget your container plants – Mulch helps retain moisture and protects them from drying out too quickly. At planting time, remember to keep the level of soil slightly lower so you have enough room for a layer of mulch on top.
Applying Fertiliser
You can still fertilise over mulch! Regular watering will wash the nutrients down to the plant roots.
Step-by-step Guide on Applying Mulch
- Start with a clean slate: Remove any weeds or dead plants first.
- Hydrate: Water the soil deeply.
- Apply mulch: Spread it evenly, keeping it between 5-10 cm thick (depending on your garden/plant).
- Keep a gap: Avoid piling mulch against plant stems/trunks as this can cause rots. Keep a little space around the trunk/stems.
