How to Properly Mulch a Garden

Why Mulch?

Any serious gardener knows that one of the keys to having a healthy, vibrant garden is mulching properly.

The right mulch is beneficial for plants by offering good water retention, temperature stability, and protection from weeds.

There are many different mulching options that will work well for specific plants, but there are general techniques that should be followed in order to have a healthy garden.

How to Mulch

The first step is to rake the soil in the designated area to remove leaves and other debris, and offer fresh soil. The area must also be weeded first; weeds that are left beneath the mulch will fester, grow, and infest the mulch as well as the soil.

The mulch should then be scattered around the base of the plants and across the entire flower bed. Generally, it is spread in a layer that is three to five inches deep. Once the mulch settles it is reduced to two to four inches deep.

The mulch should be replenished once or twice a year. Different types of mulch will also have different expirations. Before choosing mulch, check that the specific material will work well with the plants, and for seasonal mulches. There are a few primary mulch materials that very popular with today’s landscapers and gardeners.

Rubber Mulch

Although it’s relatively new to the market, rubber mulch is quickly making a mark on the gardening community. It is made out of recycled rubber tires, an eco-friendly product. Be aware, however, that being synthetic in nature, tire mulch does not offer any organic material to the soil. It is best used for aesthetic purposes in walkways, paths, and to divide sections of the garden, as it comes in many colors.

One of rubber landscape mulch’s main benefits is its extreme hardiness; it takes years to wear down rubber mulch. Being dense in nature, it also doesn’t fly away in the face of wind or rain.

Leaf Mould

Leaf mould, otherwise known as leaf compost or simply leaf mulch, is inexpensive and can easily be homemade. It is made out of fall leaves that are preserved over the winter to form mulch. It is important to ensure that the leaves are weed and mold-free before using them.

The leaves must also be fully composted; simply scattering chopped-up leaves around the plants will stifle them. They are best when combined with another form of organic matter, such as grass clippings. The mulch should simply be scattered around the base of plant roots. It should not be packed tightly because this will suffocate the plants.

Alfalfa Hay or Pea Straw

Both alfalfa hay and pea straw are sought out by gardeners whose soil is deficient in nutrients, as these organic materials provide the soil with rich nutrients. As such, they are also good for heavy feeding plants. Neither of these materials have weed issues, as is the case with regular hay. However, alfalfa hay and pea straw should not be used liberally because they are both expensive.

Before mulching a garden, it is important to research the specific plants and blossoms in the garden so as to ensure that the right materials are being used, at the right time of year, and with the proper circumstances.

Rose Mason is an amateur gardener who knows the importance of proper mulching. She is a fan of Rubberecycle rubber mulch for many uses.

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