Mulch Matters

We all know we are supposed to mulch and we know it’s good for our beds.  Do we really know when we should do it, how much we should mulch and what kind to use?  If you have questions like I did then read on and get those questions answered.  I’ll be the first to admit I didn’t know too much about mulch when I started gardening.  I’ve learned a bit over the years by asking questions and trial and error.  I am glad I can share my tips and insights into mulch with you.

Mulch

Mulch – When should I do it?

I think this ends up being a personal decision.  I mulch twice a year, once in the fall and once in the spring.  I made this decision based on how I work in my yard.  I have a nice green base of shrubs and evergreen plants that form my backdrop and then I plant seasonal color.  Since I am digging up and replanting 4 times a year my soil stays mixed up and it’s hard to keep mulch in place.  I usually do it in September or October after my fall planting.  I can still keep it looking pretty nice when I plant my pansies for winter.   Then when I clean out my beds for winter I might add a little more mulch if I uncovered an area.  I usually do it again in April or May when I do my spring planting. When I do my summer planting I might add a little more if it looks low.  If you have a yard that is all shrubs and you don’t have much seasonal color once a year may work great for you.  If you only want to mulch once a year that’s fine.  I just recommend doing it at least once.  I probably do it more than necessary but I enjoy it and like the nice finished look it gives my flower beds.

Mulch – How much should I use?

Most gardening experts recommend 2 inches in beds.  I do a little less than that but it works out about the same since I mulch more frequently.  Now that you know how much to use, the next question is how many bags do I buy?  First determine the square footage of your garden bed, to do that you multiply width by length and that is your square footage.  “To determine how many 2-cubic-foot-bags you need to provide 2 inches coverage, divide the square foot area of the garden by 12.  For 3-cubic-foot bags, divide by 18.”

Mulch – What kind do I use?

Here is the big question, what is the best mulch out there?  Well, that has as many answers as questions.  There are so many varieties it’s hard to pick just one.  I use Two Year Leaf Mold Compost, it has a nice dark color and is wonderful for my soil.  I have also used bark mulch which has a deep brown more natural color.  Black Velvet is very popular with gardeners because it’s a nice black color that sets off the plants.  People also like cedar it has a nice smell and looks very natural.  The decision on which mulch is right for you is personal.  You have to decide what you like the best and what look you want.  I have switched to compost because I am obsessed with really good dirt.  My neighbor uses Black Velvet and wouldn’t use anything else and her yard is beautiful.  The neighbor across the street uses only bark mulch and his yard is fantastic.  As a side note, my neighbors work me to death in my yard because I feel compelled to work in my yard when they work in theirs but it’s everyday they are killing me!

I hoped this helped you make sense of mulching!  Have fun with it and try different things.  I have included a link to a sustainable gardening sight I frequent, to share their tips as well.  I look forward to seeing you in the garden center as you get spring ready!

Sustainable Gardening Mulching Tips

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