Last week, we discussed what to do with indoor plants that have been summering outside. There are also some things you can do now for your outdoor plants. We mentioned pruning and replanting last week. This week, it’s about fall mulching!
Is Mulch Needed?
Why mulch? Mulch can suppress weeds. It helps to retain moisture in the soil. It can help to regulate soil temperature (if the weather gets weirdly cold, it can protect the roots of your plant a bit), and it helps reduce erosion on slopes. As it breaks down, it improves soil fertility.
The Most Important Thing…
Many things can be mulched this time of year, but it is essential to do it right! Even your veggie garden can use a layer of mulch. The critical thing to remember is layers.
Some people top the ground around their trees with mounds of mulch that look like volcanoes. You’ve seen them—hills of mulch piled around the trunk of a tree. That’s wrong! Mulch applied correctly should not touch the bark of the tree at all!
How to Mulch the Right Way
Mulch applied to the base of mature trees should be 8 to 12 inches away from the tree. Smaller trees should have mulch 6 inches away. Perennials should have mulch applied 3 inches away from the plant’s crown.
Mulching too close to tree trunks can hold moisture around the bark of the tree, leading to rot. Mulching directly over the crown of a perennial can block good air circulation.
What Kind of Mulch Should You Use?
So, what kind of mulch is good? Well, believe it or not, fallen leaves chopped up with a lawn mower are good—and free! As they break down, they release organic debris back into the soil.
Mulch made from wood chips lasts the longest, so it is used around trees. Shredded mulch breaks down faster, and chopped leaves (or even grass clippings made BEFORE the grass has seed heads) are great for vegetable gardens because they enrich the soil as they break down. Black plastic is okay as a temporary mulch only, but it can interfere with air getting to the soil and possibly keep the soil too wet.
How Much Mulch is “Just Right”?
So how much? If you have well-draining soil, about three inches of mulch should do it. If you have heavy, poorly drained soil with a lot of clay, apply about two inches. Two inches is suitable for vegetable gardens and perennials.
Let’s Continue to Celebrate Labor Day!
Last week, I mentioned Labor Day. Well, here’s more Labor for you! 🙂