Mulching is a simple yet effective technique that protects the soil, reduces water evaporation, suppresses weed growth and enriches the earth. It's particularly useful as it makes garden maintenance easier. Discover the benefits of mulching, how to properly mulch your garden and choose the most suitable mulch!
What is mulching and what is it used for?
Mulching involves covering the soil with a layer of organic materials (chopped straw, hay, dead leaves etc) to protect and improve soil quality. This simple technique mimics nature: in forests, fallen leaves form a protective carpet that nourishes the soil. This protective layer acts as a natural shield while reducing maintenance efforts. Here are some good reasons to adopt it:
- Reduced watering: By retaining soil moisture, mulch decreases the frequency of necessary watering.
- Weed control: A thick layer of mulch prevents weeds from growing.
- Improved soil structure: Organic mulching materials decompose over time, nourishing the soil and promoting better aeration and rainwater drainage.
- Protection against temperature fluctuations: Mulch insulates the soil, maintaining more constant temperatures beneficial for plants.
- Aesthetics: A well-mulched garden maintains a neat and tidy appearance!
- → Michaël explains all the benefits of mulching in Mulching: Why and How?
What is the most effective mulch?
The choice of mulch depends on the garden's specific needs, according to the type of cultivation. The best mulch is the RIGHT mulch!
- Organic mulch: (straw, dead leaves, dried grass clippings, wood chips, hemp, linen, miscanthus, BRF, cocoa shells, buckwheat hulls), helps enrich the soil and is particularly suitable for vegetable gardens and flower beds.
- Mineral mulch: (crushed slate, pumice, gravel) improves drainage and heat retention but doesn't nourish the soil. It's suitable for Mediterranean plants and rock gardens.
- Synthetic mulch: (plastic sheeting or films). Less eco-friendly, it's sometimes used for specific crops. It limits weed growth and evaporation but has no other benefits. Dark plastic tends to heat the soil under sunlight. Learn more in our article: "Landscape Fabric: For or Against?"
Good to know: in our nursery you'll find ready-to-use mulches to reduce maintenance. These products are practical, easy to install and suitable for beginners. They provide immediate mulching benefits without preparation.
When should you apply mulch?
There are three good times to mulch your garden:
- Early in the season: Wait until your plants are well established before mulching. If applied too early, seeds may not germinate properly.
- In summer: During heatwaves, mulch helps retain soil moisture and protects roots from drought. Apply after watering or rain so it adheres well to damp soil.
- In autumn: Before winter, mulch protects roots from cold and prevents soil damage from rain. Natural mulches like leaves or straw will also nourish the soil as they decompose.
5 key steps for successful mulching
Required materials:
- A pair of gardening gloves
- A rake for spreading mulch
- Mature compost: to enrich soil before mulching
- Your chosen mulch
- A bag, wheelbarrow or bucket to transport and spread mulch easily over areas to be covered.
- Step 1: Thorough weeding
Before laying mulch, it's essential to remove all weeds from the area to be mulched. Weed carefully by hand or with appropriate tools. Then lightly loosen the soil with a rake to improve water and nutrient penetration. Water if needed to ensure soil is moist before applying mulch.
- Step 2: Light compost application (optional)
Well-nourished soil promotes plant growth and improves mulch effectiveness. Spread a thin layer of mature compost (about 1-2 cm) on the soil before mulching. This compost will enrich the soil with nutrients and stimulate microbial activity, ensuring more fertile soil long-term.
- Step 3: Spread mulch to proper thickness
Spread mulch evenly over the soil at a thickness of 5-10 centimetres. A layer too thin won't suppress weeds effectively, while too thick will prevent water penetration. Avoid placing mulch directly against plant stems to prevent rot.
- Step 4: Maintain and renew mulch
Over time, organic mulch decomposes and needs regular renewal. Check its condition every few months and add a new layer if needed. If using grass clippings, ensure they're thoroughly dried before application to prevent rotting.
- Step 5: Water after applying mulch
Once mulch is properly laid, water thoroughly to help it adhere to the soil and begin stabilising. This watering also moistens lower layers and activates decomposition of organic mulches.
Additional tips and mistakes to avoid
- Don't mulch during strong winds, as lightweight materials like straw, grass clippings or dead leaves may blow away. Also avoid mulching when soil is frozen, as mulch acts as insulation and could delay soil warming in spring, slowing vegetation regrowth.
- Avoid mulch that's too thick or too thin: A layer over 10 cm can prevent water and air from penetrating the soil, encouraging mould and root rot. Conversely, too thin a layer won't effectively suppress weeds or evaporation.
- Don't use overly wet mulch! Excess moisture can encourage fungal growth and mould. Ensure mulch remains well aerated.
- Generally, there's no need to remove mulch unless contaminated by disease or pests. Organic materials can be incorporated into the soil to enrich it.
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