13 Mulch Mistakes You're Making in Your Garden

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When it comes to gardening, mulch is a gardener´s holy grail. The material allows gardeners to have flourishing gardens, keeping the soil moist, reducing weed growth, and improving the soil. However, experienced gardeners can still make mistakes when mulching.

This post sheds light on common mulching mistakes you may be making.

Using the Wrong Type of Mulch

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Remember, not all mulches suit all types of plants. A few may work better for some plants or climates than others. For example, pine bark mulch is perfect for azaleas and blueberries that need acidic soils but not so good for plants that require something alkaline. Research what you need in your garden before deciding on mulch.

Failure to Prepare the Area Before Mulching

Prepare the area before applying the mulch. Prep work includes removing weeds and debris, aerating the soil, and applying fertilizers as needed. Fruiting plants will grow poorly and provide no nutrients if you fail to do this.

Using Old or Moldy Mulch

Old or moldy mulch can introduce bacteria and fungi to your garden. Use only fresh mulch or fresh organic matter that is fully composted. If mold or a bad smell persists, throw the mulch away and replace it.

Placing Mulch Against Stems

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Spread mulch out around plants, not on top of them. Too much mulch shoved right up to the stem can cause water to pool around the plant, resulting in rot and disease. Keep some space between the stem and the surface of the mulch.

Not Replenishing Mulch

Mulch incorporated into the soil adds valuable nutrients while improving structure and moisture-holding capacity. It also naturally decomposes as time passes, so it is crucial to add more. Keep an eye on your mulch layer and add more as necessary.

Using Too Much Mulch

The number one mistake gardeners make is overmulching. Too much mulch is not always the best. Adding a thick layer of mulch may sound like a good idea initially, but it often will do more damage than good. A deep layer of mulch can smother plant roots and keep water from reaching the soil. In addition, too much can also provide a favorable environment for pests and diseases.

Using Colored Mulch

Although colored mulch may look great, it is unsuitable for your garden. The dyes that add color to mulch may have chemicals that are too harsh for plants and soil processing. For a better and more natural garden, use uncolored mulches.

Mulching Too Soon Or Too Late

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Early mulching can result in the soil holding on to more water than it needs, leading to toxic shock and diseases. On the other hand, if you use it too late in extreme temperatures, the mulch may not completely protect the plants from weather factors. Apply mulch when the soil has warmed up in the spring or after the first frost in the fall.

Ignoring Mulch Depth

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How deep you put down your mulch varies by the type. Usually, 2-3 inches of mulch is adequate for most plants. However, with a light material, such as straw, it may take a heavier layer to keep the weeds at bay.

Not Using Mulch as a Barrier

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Mulch, properly applied, can serve as a great weed barrier. However, many gardeners do not use as much mulch depth as protection against weed growth. Four inches of mulch is the standard to eliminate weeds customarily.

Not Adjusting Mulch for Sloped Areas

If not properly adjusted, mulch on sloped areas can quickly erode or wash away during heavy rainstorms. To prevent this, apply a thicker layer of mulch or use materials like stones or rocks as a barrier to hold the mulched area in place.

Only Using One Type of Mulch

Mulching can benefit your garden in many ways. For example, using both organic and inorganic mulch may boost the health of your soil and reduce weed emergence. Try to experiment with other mulches and see what suits your garden best.

Ignoring the pH of Your Mulch

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Certain mulches, such as pine needles and wood chips, can slightly change pH. If your garden needs to maintain a certain pH level, select mulch that conforms to this need. Regular soil testing can also help you pinpoint if your garden soil needs pH tweaking.