If there is one job that pays you back more than any other, it is mulching — simply covering bare soil with a layer of material. It locks in moisture so you water less, smothers weeds before they start, feeds the soil as it breaks down, and keeps roots cool in summer and protected in winter. Here is what to use and how.
- Moisture water far less often
- Weeds smothered before they start
- Feeds soil breaks down into goodness
- Steady temp cool in summer, warm in winter
What is mulch?
A mulch is any layer spread over the soil surface around your plants. Organic mulches — the best kind for a productive garden — slowly rot down and improve the soil while they work, so you are feeding the ground at the same time as protecting it.
The best mulches
Good organic mulches include garden compost, well-rotted manure, leaf mould, bark chips, straw and even grass clippings in thin layers. Compost and manure feed the soil most; bark and straw last longer and look tidy. Whatever you use, make sure it is weed-free.
How to mulch
- Weed first clear the bed
- Water moist soil
- Spread 5–7 cm thick
- Keep off stems avoid rot
- Top up each season
Mulch onto moist, weed-free soil — spring is ideal. Lay it 5–7 cm thick but keep a small gap around plant stems and crowns so they do not rot. Top it up once or twice a year as it breaks down into the soil.
Staying on top of weeds
Mulch is your first line of defence, but a few weeds will always appear. Hoe them off while they are tiny on a dry day, pull perennial weeds out by the root, and above all never let weeds flower and set seed — one season of seeding means years of weeding. Bare soil grows weeds, so keep it covered with mulch or plants.
Frequently asked questions
Will mulch stop all weeds?
It hugely reduces them by blocking light; the odd weed on top is easy to pull.
Can mulch attract slugs?
Damp mulch can shelter slugs — keep it off seedling stems and stay on top of pests.
How often do I re-mulch?
Top up once or twice a year as organic mulches rot into the soil.
Are grass clippings OK?
Yes, in thin layers — thick wet layers turn slimy.
Mulch well, then browse all seeds.
