Mulch is a material, typically organic, that is spread over the surface of soil to improve its appearance, protect it from the elements, or discourage weed growth. Common mulches include compost, shredded leaves, wood chips, and pine needles.
When selecting a mulch, consider its purpose. For example, you might want a decorative mulch for your flower beds and a more durable mulch for your vegetable garden. You’ll also want to consider the mulch’s texture, color, and how long it will last before it needs to be replaced.
Once you’ve selected a mulch, it’s time to apply it. Be sure to spread it evenly, using a rake if necessary. You’ll also want to leave a few inches of space around trees and shrubs so that the mulch doesn’t touch their bark.
Mulching is an easy way to improve the appearance of your landscape and protect your plants. With a little planning, you can find the perfect mulch for your needs.
How to Lay Mulch In 5 Steps
1. Choose the right type of mulch. There are many different types of mulch available, so it’s important to select the right one for your needs.
2. Decide how much mulch you need. A general rule of thumb is to use 2-3 inches of mulch.
3. Prepare the area where you will be laying the mulch. This includes removing any weeds or debris and loosening the soil.
4. Apply the mulch. You can do this by hand or with a spreader.
5. Water the area. This will help the mulch to settle and will also keep the weeds at bay.
When to Lay Down Mulch
The ideal time to lay down mulch is in the spring, after the last frost. This will give your plants a chance to get a head start on the growing season. You can also lay down mulch in the fall, after you’ve harvested your crops. This will help protect your plants from the cold winter weather.
How Much Mulch Do I Need?
Mulch is an important part of any garden, but how much do you need? This depends on the type of mulch, the size of your garden, and the coverage you want. Here are some guidelines to help you calculate how much mulch you need.
Mulch is typically sold by the cubic foot, so you will want to know the number of cubic feet of mulch to buy.
First, determine the square footage of the area you want to mulch by measuring it. Multiply the length and width of the area to cover and record the answer.
Determine how deep mulch should be by going with gardening experts’ recommendation of a 2- to 4-inch layer.
Multiply the square footage of your area to be mulched by the number of inches of mulch you want to apply. Then divide that number by 12, as a cubic foot of mulch will cover 12-square feet with about 1-inch of mulch.
Example: You have determined that the area(s) you want to mulch is 950-square feet. You’ve decided on a 2-inch deep layer of mulch for your space, so 950-square feet x 2 = 1,900.
1,900 divided by 12 is 158.3 (round up to the nearest whole number). So you will need to get approximately 158-cubic feet of mulch, in that example.