| Weed growth in and around your ornamental borders and gardens can be a major problem. Mulching is a very effective way to help prevent weeds for various reasons such as excluding light from the soil surface, by not giving young weeds a firm material to build a root system in, etc. As well as preventing weed growth, organic mulches can help add nutrients to your soil as they decay. A quality fabric weed barrier is often used between the soil and mulch to further inhibit weed growth while allowing water and nutrients into the soil. A layer of 2-5 inches is recommended for a good effective covering, depending upon preference and type of mulch used. Done right, mulching can eliminate or greatly reduce trimming and weed eating in your lawn or garden, as well as provide a very attractive ground covering. |  |
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Applying mulch can be done anytime throughout the year. However, because of the insulating factor mulch possesses, there are some seasons it is more desirable. In the cold winter months, if you desire to insulate bulbs, apply it only 1 inch thick in order to prevent soil warming. Spring application results in slower warming of the soil. Since spring is the planting season, remember to push aside mulch from newly planted seeds and seedlings. In a vegetable garden, mulching should not be done until the tomatoes blossom. In the fall, when mulching around transplants, a five inch coverage is needed to delay frost penetration. This allows more time for root growth. | ||
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The area should be cleared of all weeds, leaves and grass. If you are preparing an area on an established lawn, make sure you strip the sod completely. Edge around the entire border of your landscape area, which is easily done with a flat shovel or a power edger. If you are replenishing the mulch on an existing mulched area, be sure to loosen up the old mulch. Using your hands to spread the mulch produces the best results. Use a thickness of 3 to 5 inches, not allowing the mulch to make direct contact with plants. This avoids disease problems. Also, keep it from contacting nearby wooden structures in case of termites. When finished, the mulch should be watered down to put moisture in it and to help settle it into place. |
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