Mulch helps control soil temperature and is an effective method of preventing weed growth. Mulch prevents light from reaching the soil surface, denying young weeds the opportunity to build a root system. As well as inhibiting weed growth, organic mulches add nutrients to the soil as it decays. A quality fabric barrier between the mulch and the soil enables soil to retain moisture, maximizing the effectiveness of watering while allowing water and nutrients to flow to the soil. A layer of 2-5 inches of bark mulch is recommended for a good, effective covering. Applied correctly, mulch can eliminate or greatly reduce the need for trimming and weed removal in your lawn and garden. It can also provide a very attractive ground cover in your display beds.

Mulch can be applied anytime throughout the year. However, because of the insulating properties of mulch, some seasons are more desirable than others. In the cold winter months, apply it only 1 inch thick to insulate the ground to prevent soil warming. Since spring is the planting season, remember to push aside mulch from newly planted seeds, seedlings, and bulbs. In a vegetable garden, mulching should not be done until the tomatoes blossom. In the fall when mulching around transplants, a 5 inch coverage is needed to delay frost penetration, allowing more time for root growth.

The area(s) should be cleared of all weeds, leaves and grass. If you are preparing an area on an established lawn, make sure you strip the sod completely. Edge around the entire border of your landscape area. If you are replenishing the mulch on an existing area, be sure to loosen up the old mulch. Using your hands to spread the mulch produces the best results. Use a thickness of 2 to 5 inches, not allowing the mulch to make direct contact with the plants. This avoids disease problems. When finished, the mulch should be watered down to put moisture in it and help it to settle into place.