One of the most underrated jobs in the garden. A good mulch saves water, crushes weeds and feeds the soil.
Created by jflgardens.co.uk
Mulching quietly solves more garden problems than almost any other single job. A layer of organic material over the soil suppresses weeds, holds in moisture, keeps roots cool and slowly feeds the soil as it breaks down.
A thick mulch smothers weed seeds before they germinate, keeps the top layer of soil from drying out, evens out soil temperature and, as it rots, adds valuable organic matter. Few single actions give you so many benefits at once.
Bark or wood chip suits paths and shrub beds; garden compost, well-rotted manure or leaf mould are ideal for veg and flower borders because they feed as well as protect. Gravel works for dry, Mediterranean-style planting.
First, mulch onto damp, weeded soil — not dry ground, or you'll lock the dryness in. Second, apply it thick enough to work, usually 5-8cm, but never pile it up against plant stems or tree trunks, which can cause them to rot.
The best time is late spring, once the soil has warmed but before summer drought, or in autumn to protect beds through winter. Top up as it breaks down and you keep the benefits year after year.
From garden maintenance to a full maintenance-style overhaul, the JFL Gardens team works across Surrey and London.
