Mulch provides many benefits to your garden or landscaping. From slowing down weed growth to retaining soil moisture, it helps give your flowerbeds and garden a neat appearance. However, to get the most benefit, it needs to be applied at the right time. The below guide will teach you when the time is right for mulching. 

When Should You Apply It? 

Mulching is generally best done in spring, preferably in the middle to end of the season when the soil is warm and dry. When planting new vegetation, water the dry soil first so you can pull out weeds with ease. Next, add mulch to the garden bed to prevent new weeds from developing and stabilize plant growing conditions. If you’ve planted seeds, wait until they have sprouted first; otherwise, they may not be strong enough to force their way through the barrier.

You can also apply mulch in fall when the soil is moist and warm. It acts as an insulator for soil, planting roots against frigid winter temperatures. In addition to improving the soil’s fertility in cold weather, it also moderates temperature fluctuations that can damage plants and their roots during the freeze-thaw cycle. Since mulch protects the soil from erosion, it’s best to reapply it after heavy rains or storms to replenish any that might have washed away.

How Do You Apply It? 

Choosing the right mulch is the first step towards achieving a multitude of benefits. Organic mulch is made from pine bark, pine needles, and wood chips. When it breaks down, it provides extra nutrients to the soil and improves its condition. Place it over wet, weeded soil and layer it no more than three inches thick. Refrain from piling it up around trees and shrubs, as it may cause deterioration, rotting, or fungal diseases. Instead, rake it so that it is evenly layered in the garden bed.

You may also apply inorganic mulch, like gravel or tumble glass. The protective benefits of the inorganic kind are similar to the organic version; the difference is that this kind offers zero nutrients. However, inorganic mulch does come in a wide variety of colors and can be used as a decorative element to match your home.

For high-quality mulch, turn to Affordable Landscape Supplies in Burlington, KY. Serving Boone and Kenton County, they have been offering high-quality landscaping materials—ranging from topsoil and bulk mulch to gravel and sand—since 1981. Call (859) 586-9142 to schedule a delivery or inquire about their services via their website.