Let’s Talk About Mulch – two common mistakes
Let’s Talk About Mulching
Last spring, I invested quite a bit in having aged hemlock mulch applied to my front gardens. My goals were simple: suppress weeds, retain moisture, and give the beds a tidy, refreshed appearance. And at first glance—it looked beautiful. Until I started seeing weeds popping through just a few days later.
Mistake #1: Not enough coverage
It turns out the mulch had been applied too sparsely in quite a few areas. Some areas had a proper 2–3 inch layer, while others were barely covered with an inch. Insufficient coverage defeats the purpose of mulching. When done properly, mulch helps:
- Regulate soil temperature
- Conserve soil moisture
- Suppress weed growth
When done poorly, it’s ineffective, wasteful, and at times even harmful – see Mistake #2.…