Mulching is essential for any garden, but it’s more complex than just laying organic matter on your flower beds. There are right and wrong ways to go about it, and your choices significantly impact your garden’s health and appearance. Adding mulch to your garden can have many benefits, but you want to ensure you are doing it correctly. Here are the do’s and don’ts when mulching your garden.
Do Use Organic Mulch
Organic mulch includes natural materials like leaves, straw, bark, and other plant byproducts like cardboard or paper. These materials break down over time and eventually mix into the soil itself – providing nutrients to your garden in the process. Organic mulches enrich the ground as they decompose. Additionally, they encourage beneficial microbial activity, enhancing soil health.
Do Remove Weeds Before Mulching
While a good layer of mulch can kill off young weeds, it won’t magically eliminate well-established weeds. It’s better to remove any larger weeds or patches of weeds before adding mulch on top, or they will grow right through. Or some weeds may keep on spreading under your mulch.
Don’t Mulch Too Close to Your Trees
While mulching around trees is beneficial, piling it up against the trunk is not. Doing so can keep the tree’s root collar too damp and cause it to rot, encouraging insects to burrow into the trunk and weaken it. Instead, leave some space between the mulch and a tree’s trunk. And don’t pile mulch right up against other plants like shrubs and perennials. Aim for at least a few inches of space between their stems and mulch.
Don’t Overmulch Your Garden
While mulching is beneficial, there is a fine line between just enough and too much. Applying too much mulch can lead to waterlogging and root rot. Excessive mulch can also lead to drainage issues as well as the development of mold or fungus. It is essential to consult guidelines or experts to determine the appropriate mulch for your garden needs. Using the correct amount ensures that your plants receive adequate water and nutrients without the risk of suffocation or rot.
If you need high-quality mulch for your garden, Lehnhoff’s Supply is here to help! Check out our website for a list of products.
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