Mulch is one of the unsung heroes of the garden. Undervalued yet essential, mulching helps to promote a healthier soil ecosystem so that your plants grow stronger – and who doesn't want a thriving garden?
The process of mulching is a simple one: it involves covering the soil around plants with a thick layer of material (from compost to wood chippings) to help retain moisture, reduce watering, suppress weeds, regulate soil temperature, deter pests and improve soil health, and it gives a decorative finish to your planting scheme too. Think of mulch as a cosy natural blanket for your plants.
What is mulching in gardening?
'Mulching is another simple yet powerful way to protect and nourish your soil,' says Angharad James, gardening expert at Maxicrop. 'Organic mulches like wood chips, straw or bark help retain moisture, regulate temperature, and suppress weeds. Over time, they break down and release nutrients back into the soil, further enhancing its health.'
Mulch can be made from various organic or inorganic materials, depending on your gardening needs.
There are two main groups: Biodegradable and non-biodegradable
Biodegradable mulch breaks down gradually to release nutrients into the soil and help improve its structure. Examples are garden compost, wood chippings, processed conifer bark, leaf mould, well-rotted manure, straw, grass clippings, spent hops and seaweed. When the material has fully rotted down, these layers will need replacing.
Non-biodegradable mulch is primarily used for its decorative features. They don't boost the fertility or structure of the soil, but they do have some benefits and can suppress weeds and conserve moisture. Examples of non-biodegradable mulch include slate, shingle, pebbles, gravel and stone chippings.
Get started in spring
Mulch is best applied from mid-to-late spring, in autumn, or any time new plants need to be established.
Layer between 5cm (2in) and 7.5cm (3in) worth of biodegradable mulch onto the bed or around your plants – make sure it's evenly distributed. Mulch in spring to provide plants with nutrients from the organic layer, which breaks down into the soil, fuelling strong growth throughout the summer. If you're planting a new flowerbed, the Royal Horticultural Sociery (RHS) suggests mulch sheets for better effectiveness.
Mulch after weeding...
'As spring approaches, weeds can quickly become a nuisance,' say the horticultural experts at Cherry Lane Garden Centres. 'Now is the perfect time to tackle those pesky invaders. Begin by weeding your borders to prevent them from spreading. Using a hand fork or hoe, remove any weeds at the root to stop them from regrowing. After weeding, apply a layer of mulch to your borders. This not only helps keep weeds at bay but also helps retain moisture in the soil as the temperatures rise. Mulching with organic matter such as bark, compost, or straw creates a barrier that benefits your plants and prepares them for the season ahead.'
It's a must in winter for frost protection...
In autumn, apply a thick layer of mulch around the base of plants to protect their roots during the cold weather. 'Keep on top of regular mulching to keep plants warm during winter,' says Chris Bonnett, founder of GardeningExpress.co.uk. 'Scattering thick organic material around the plants will keep the moisture in the ground.'
Author and gardener Sarah Raven explains says it's essential for tender plants. 'Apply a thick mulch layer before the first hard frost hits, and then again when the last frost passes in spring,' she begins. 'Tender plants like pelargoniums will be particularly grateful and will hopefully emerge from the cold in good condition. Recently, we’ve had milder winters in southern England, so I leave dahlias to overwinter in the soil. Once the first frosts arrive, cut them back to within 10cm of the ground and cover them with a thick mound of mulch. If we have a harder winter on our hands, bring dahlias indoors to be on the safe side.'
Apply mulch to containers...
Do you have a container garden? No problem. Angela Slater, gardening expert at Hayes Garden World, notes: 'Mulching the tops of the containers with chipped bark, decorative stones and glass nuggets cuts down on the amount of evaporation, so you don’t have to water as often.'
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