This post was originally publised on 7/8/2019 and updated on 4/21/21.
Although mulching is never mandatory, the benefits far outweigh the effort used in the mulching process. When applied correctly, it can dramatically improve the soil’s productivity. Mulch is defined simply as a layer of material applied to the surface of soil. The best time is mid to late spring to give the soil a chance to warm up after freezing winter temperatures.
A Few Mulching Material Options
- straw
- grass clippings
- compost
- leaves
- bark chips
- saw dust
- cardboard
- newspaper
Benefits of Mulching
- Suppresses weed germination and growth. (Weeds are not only unsightly, but they also steal resources from desirable garden plants!)
- Holds in soil moisture, protecting your plants from drying out quickly
- Regulates soil-temperature fluctuations (This benefit is especially valuable during that turbulent-weather period in spring when you don’t want your plants to be stressed.)
- In cold-winter areas, protects plant roots from winter cold and helps prevent frost-heaving, in which plants are literally pushed out of the ground by the natural expansion and contraction of the soil as it cools off and heats up
- In hot-summer areas, helps keep plant roots cooler
- Depending on the material used, it can add nutrients to your soil as it breaks down
- Adds beauty and uniformity to the garden
We recommend applying mulch to beds in a 2″ thick layer for the best benefits.
We have several options of shredded hardwood mulch here at Jack Frost. We carry plain brown and dyed – dark brown, black, red and chestnut. Our bulk mulch is sold by the yard for both pick up and delivery.
