Sometimes, even with our best efforts to eat healthily, we still need supplements to get all the nutrients we need. Well, the same goes for the soil your plants grow in.

It’s no secret that the quality of the soil is key for a thriving garden. But, without the right knowledge, we might choose the wrong type of soil for the plants we’re growing. Other times, it’s the improper use of chemicals that can deplete the precious soil nutrients your garden requires. 

But instead of undertaking a laborious project like replacing the soil altogether, there’s a simpler solution: investing in quality garden mulch for gardening efficiency. 

Is Mulch Good in a Garden?

Adding garden mulch can be a valuable investment for your garden, offering several benefits. Essentially, it acts as a protective layer for the exposed soil, helping it make the most of the water and nutrients you provide. 

One of the main advantages of mulch is its ability to shield the soil, particularly the roots, from harsh weather and temperature fluctuations by serving as an insulating layer. Additionally, as the mulch materials (such as compost, manure, sugarcane, woodchips, or fine bark) break down over time, they enrich the soil with fresh organic matter, which helps plants thrive.

Another benefit gardeners appreciate, especially those who tend to forget to water or overwater, is the mulch’s ability to retain moisture. This helps reduce the amount and frequency of watering needed, saving you both time and money. It’s also ideal for those who have already addressed their watering needs with self-watering planters.

What’s more, the improved soil can attract beneficial insects while deterring pests, as much as it can increase positive microorganism and worm activity, further leading to soil fertility. If you care about aesthetics, incorporating landscape mulch can be a wise decision as it keeps weeds away from your garden, all the while it provides a nice and tidy appearance, like a garden that’s cared for with all the TLC. Even if you don’t get to do gardening outside in-ground and in raised beds, for example, it could still be a beneficial solution for your indoor potted plants.

How to Properly Use Mulch?

If you’re not careful, mulching can easily become too much of a good thing, leading to unintended consequences. Before deciding to buy and apply mulch, make sure you understand how to use it properly for the best results.

Mind The Time of Year 

First, it’s crucial to apply mulch during the right seasons, typically late spring and early autumn. In spring, mulching helps prepare your garden for the growing season ahead, while in autumn, it sets the soil up for the cold winter months. Since we’re in spring now, it’s the perfect time to give your plants the extra care they need by adding a protective layer of mulch.

Be Careful with the Layering

As mentioned, the different types of mulch for sale are great for protecting your garden from pests and weeds, but if applied incorrectly, you could also end up “protecting” your plants from growing properly. To avoid stunting plant growth, it’s important to let sprouts grow a bit before mulching. 

Additionally, to prevent root rot and ensure your plants receive enough sunlight and oxygen, make sure to apply mulch a few millimetres away from the plant base. This allows for proper air circulation while reducing the risk of disease and insect infestations.

Be Aware of the Needed Amount

I’d like to point out two aspects you need to be aware of here: the needed amount of mulch supply for your garden, and the needed amount of mulch for the plant’s soil. First, you’ll need to measure your garden space to get a sense of the square footage. This will help you determine how much mulch to buy and give you an idea of the budget you’ll be working with.

As you might expect, outdoor plants generally require more mulch, needing a thick layer of about 5 to 7.5 cm. In contrast, indoor potted plants only need a thin layer. The type of mulch you choose also plays a role. Fine mulch, like sugarcane, usually needs a layer of up to 2 cm, while more open types like hay or straw can go up to 20 cm, as the looser structure allows for better water penetration compared to finer mulch.