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When is the best time to mulch your beds? Even landscape enthusiasts find themselves asking this common question. Mulching is one of the best things you can do to preserve the health and beauty of your landscape - if you add it at the right time. Add your mulch too early or too late and you may get the blanket with none of the benefits.
The good news is, taking stock of your beds, your goals, and the weather can help you find just the right time. In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know to decide the best time to mulch your beds.
Why Mulch Matters
When it comes to mulching, the why is just as important as the when. While mulching certainly helps your landscape maintain a polished appearance all year long, it also has some key benefits that explain why some times are better for mulching than others. The benefits of mulch include:
Weed Control. Mulch acts as a natural weed suppressant because it blocks sunlight from reaching the soil, smothering any weeds that are trying to germinate and grow. It also prevents any loose weed seeds that are blown into your beds from reaching the soil below.
Fertilization. Organic mulch such as pine straw, leaves, and grass clippings break down over time and naturally fertilize your bed soil, leading to improved plant growth.
Stable Soil Temperature. Applying a layer of mulch on top of your soil helps it maintain a stable temperature in extreme heat or cold. It also protects the roots of your plants, which typically extend only an inch or two into the topsoil.
Maintains Soil Moisture. Heat and wind cause the moisture in your soil to quickly evaporate. As temperatures rise, adding a layer of mulch holds moisture in the soil, cutting back on how often you need to water your beds.
When To Mulch
So you need to add mulch to your beds. When is the best time? In general, the best time to add mulch to your beds is in mid to late spring. This will help your landscape with weed control, protect your soil from the summer sun, and create a contrasting look against your vibrant spring plants.
Ideally, you want to mulch after soil temperatures have warmed but before weeds have the chance to sprout in your beds. Mulching too early in the season can prevent your soil from thawing and delay your seasonal blooms.
Many gardeners also add a layer of mulch to their beds in the fall. Fall mulching insulates the soil and protects it from the extreme cold of the winter season. Fall mulch will also begin to degrade by early spring, delivering a powerful dose of nutrients that can help your spring plants shine.
If you can’t make time to mulch, let the professionals at Krob Landscaping handle it for you! Our expert landscapers will use the right products at the right time to help you get the most out of your mulch. Contact us today!
Providing Complete Landscaping Services in Mobile County, Baldwin County, Spanish Fort, Daphne, Fairhope, Silverhill, Foley, Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, Pensacola, the Florida Panhandle & Surrounding Areas