Nourish your soil for a bountiful spring and summer

Published on 25 November 2024

What is Mulch?

Mulch is a thick layer of material spread over the soil surface or in containers. It acts as a physical barrier preventing soil from drying out because of the wind or direct sunlight as well as preventing weeds from growing and also improving soil structure.

Mulch is split into two main groups:

The first is an organic mulch which can be made from decomposed plant materials such as homemade garden compost, leaf mould, strulch, manure and bark. Not only do they help to keep in moisture they will also feed the plants being an ideal choice for shrubs trees and hedges.

Secondly, inorganic mulches are purely decorative with no nutritional benefit, these include slate, gravel, pebbles and rocks.

When and How to Mulch

Spring and Autumn are the best times of year to spread mulch over the surface of bare soil using a fork or rake. Apply a 5-8cm thick layer but be careful not to go right up to the stems of existing plants as this could smother the stems, also don't make it too thick as this can prevent bulbs and herbaceous plants from being able to grow through.

No-dig Gardening

This process involves applying organic matter to the soil surface. It encourages plants, fungi and soil organisms to break it down and incorporate the organic matter into the soil. Over time this improves the soil structure by improving the ecosystem. In situations where you have established weeds, consider using a layer of cardboard and then covering it with your chosen mulch.

Bark

Ideal for decorative purposes and low-maintenance gardening as it improves moisture retention as well as preventing weeds from growing. Over time it breaks down which will improve the soil structure.

Pine bark

Similarly to other forms of bark, it improves moisture retention as well as preventing weeds from growing. One of the main key benefits is its ability to make the soil slightly acidic. This is particularly beneficial for plants, which prefer acidic soil such as Acer, Camellia, Rhododendron etc.

Well-Rotted Manure

Acting as a soil conditioner, manure is packed with nutrients and is perfect for hungry plants such as roses, pumpkins and squashes. It helps to suppress weeds by starving them of sunlight, insulating plant roots as well as reducing water evaporation.

Strulch

A lightweight mulch made from wheat straw that is perfect for organic gardening, lasting for up to two years. It reduces weed growth whilst also retaining moisture around plants and enriching the soil structure over time as it decomposes. Strulch has a neutral pH and is suitable for ornamental plants and vegetable plots with the bonus deterring slugs and snails. Place a small mound over your Dahlia tubers to help protect them from the cold.

Compost

You can reuse the spent compost from pots at the end of the growing season by tipping it out onto your borders with it being a finer substance, it gets into the soil more quickly. New compost should be used to replenish your pots every year giving a fresh supply of nutrients to your plants. Using homemade compost as a mulch is great if you have the time and space to do your own composting.

Making Your Own Compost Heap

You will need to set up a compost bin which can be purchased from garden centres or you can make your own by repurposing old pallets and standing them on their edges, using wire, wooden posts and a sledgehammer to secure them to the bare ground.

When collecting garden waste you need a 50:50 mix of ingredients which fall into the categories of green for nitrogen and brown for carbon. An example of this could be a mixture of kitchen peelings, grass and weeds along with chopped-up woody matter, cardboard and shredded paper.

Turn the material as frequently as possible using a garden fork as this will help speed up decomposition building up the temperature in the centre of the pile which will kill off seeds and harmful bacteria. It should take 6 months to a year depending on the size of your compost heap and is ready to use when it looks dark and crumbly with a pleasant earthy scent.

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