Mulching is a great way to improve the appearance of your garden, and it can also help control weeds and retain moisture. If you’re not sure how to go about laying mulch, don’t worry – we’ve got you covered (pun intended)! In this blog post, we will share 9 tips for laying mulch like a pro so you’ll be able to create a beautiful and functional garden bed in no time!
1. Pick the right mulch.
There are a variety of mulches available on the market, so whether you’re trying to improve your garden’s appearance or boost its productivity, choosing the right mulch can make all the difference. Mulch is a material that’s spread over the surface of the soil to help protect plants and prevent weeds from growing. It can also help to regulate soil temperature and moisture levels. With so many different types of mulch available, it can be tricky to know which one is right for your garden. Here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a mulch:
– Consider your climate. If you live in a hot, dry climate, choose a mulch that will help to keep the soil cool and moist. In a cold climate, choose a mulch that will insulate the soil and protect roots from frost damage.
– Think about your plants. Some plants do better with certain types of mulch than others. If you’re not sure what will work best for your plants, ask one of our gardening experts.
– Choose a material that will break down over time. Some types of mulch, such as stone or plastic, last indefinitely, but others (such as wood chips or shredded leaves) will need to be replaced every few years.
– Consider your budget. Mulches can range in price from very cheap (such as shredded newspaper) to quite expensive (such as stone). Choose a material that fits your budget and your needs.
Still unsure which mulch is best? No problem! Talk to our local Pear Tree Nursery experts and get their opinion on which one would be best for your needs.
2. Plan ahead.
Before you start laying mulch, take some time to plan out where you want it to go. This will save you time and effort in the long run. You definitely don’t want to have to move mulch. You will thank us later!
3. Determine how much you will need.
Before you head out to buy your mulch, you’ll need to determine how much to buy. This can be a little tricky, since mulch is sold by the cubic yard, and it’s not always easy to visualize how much that is.
A good rule of thumb is to calculate the square footage of the area you want to mulch, then multiply that by the depth of mulch you want to use. For example, if you want to mulch a bed that’s 10 feet square and you want a depth of 3 inches, you’ll need about 30 cubic yards of mulch. Most gardening experts recommend having a 2- to 4-inch layer.
To help make things easier, we sell in bulk. So if you know how much you need, you can just ask for that amount at Pear Tree Nursery, and we’ll be glad to help you.
4. Create a border.
One way to keep your mulch from spreading into unwanted areas is to create a border around the perimeter of your garden bed. To create a barrier, you can use rocks, bricks, or even plastic edging. Then, when you spread your mulch, be sure to keep it within the confines of your border. Also, consider any slope so you can avoid rainwater washing your mulch into unwanted places. With this simple measure in place, you can rest assured that your mulch will stay put – and your garden will look neat and tidy.
5. Remove existing vegetation.
If you have existing unwanted vegetation in your garden, you’ll need to remove it before you start mulching. This will help the new mulch to stay in place and prevent it from being pulled up by the roots of the plants. You can remove vegetation by hand or with a gardening tool like a hoe. Once you’ve removed the vegetation, you can proceed to the next step.
6. Rough up the soil.
Once you’ve removed existing vegetation and created a border, you’ll need to rough up the soil before you start laying mulch. This will help the mulch adhere to the ground better. So, break out the hoe and get to work! A little effort now will pay off in a beautiful, healthy garden later.
7. Apply a thin layer of mulch.
When you’re ready to start applying mulch, be sure to do so sparingly. It’s better to apply a thin layer and then add more as you go. Too thick of a layer of mulch can actually do more harm than good, smothering your plants and preventing air and water from getting to the roots. So when you’re ready, be sure to apply a thin 2-4 inch layer – just enough to give your plants a little extra boost. You’ll be glad you did!
8. Water regularly.
Mulch can help retain moisture in your soil, but you’ll still need to water your plants regularly. Depending on the type of plant, you may need to water every day or every other day. If you’re not sure how often to water, a good rule of thumb is to wait until the top layer of soil is dry. Then, give the plant a thorough watering so that moisture reaches the roots. Be sure to check the soil regularly, and water as needed. One of the keys to a healthy garden is consistent watering.
9. Reapply as necessary.
Mulch will eventually break down, so you’ll need to reapply. This is especially true if you have a lot of foot traffic in your garden bed. The exact frequency will vary depending on the type of mulch you use and the conditions in your garden, but you can typically expect to need to reapply every few months to year. Luckily, adding new mulch is quick and easy, so you can keep your garden looking its best with minimal effort.
By following these tips, you can lay mulch like a pro in no time! Soon, you’ll have a beautiful garden that’s both functional and aesthetically pleasing. We hope you found these tips helpful! If you have any questions, or if you need help choosing the right mulch for your needs, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us or stop in to see us at Pear Tree Nursery in Little Falls, MN. We would be happy to assist you in creating a beautiful and functional garden bed!
Reader Interactions