Spending time in your garden can strengthen your bones and even lower your risk for some cancers. With so much time outside, you’ll want your garden to look its best. There is no better way to keep your garden gorgeous than by using mulch.
In gardening, mulch is a material that you spread over the surface of the soil. It can help protect against erosion, conserve moisture, and keep weeds at bay.
Getting a mulch delivery is exciting but can be overwhelming if you don’t know how to use this material. If you aren’t sure where to start when it comes to mulch, you’ve come to the right place. We cover the nine most important things to know about mulch in our guide below.
1. Understanding the Benefits of Mulch
Mulch is an important part of any outdoor space. There are many different benefits to using mulch in your gardens.
Many gardeners use it to help to keep weed growth down. It also can moderate soil temperature and provides essential nutrients for plants.
Mulch isn’t just great for a garden. It can also help to reduce erosion and runoff in your landscaping.
You can find mulch in all sorts of different colors and materials. Each kind of mulch has its pros and cons. You’ll find most mulches fit into either organic or inorganic categories.
Organic mulches, such as wood chips, bark, and leaves, improve the soil as they decompose. They also help to keep moisture in the plants and keep plant roots cool in summer.
Inorganic mulches, such as stones and gravel, don’t improve the soil but have their own set of benefits. They are great at controlling weed growth and keeping soil temperature regulated. They also don’t break down over time like organic mulches, so they can be a good long-term option.
2. Inorganic Mulch
There are several types of inorganic mulches on the market. Although they tend to be a more expensive option, they last much longer than organic mulch.
Plastic Mulch
If you live in a place with a short growing season, you may like this type of mulch. It helps keep the soil warm in cooler climates.
This mulch is a bit more challenging to water because water can’t get through the mulch. It also will heat up a lot in the summer months, so keep this mulch in a shaded spot.
Crushed Stone or Gravel
You can find crushed rock or pea gravel as another popular mulch choice. They are beautiful and permanent types of mulch for your landscaping. Pea gravel mulch looks especially great in a succulent garden.
3. Organic Mulch
Organic mulches, such as bark or compost, improve the fertility of the soil as it breaks down. Keep in mind, this form of mulch can be expensive and can attract pests and other vermin.
Wood Chips
Wood chips are a perfect type of mulch for landscaping because they keep away weeds. They also add a bit of extra nutrition to the soil as the wood decomposes. Choose premium hardwood mulch to get the best quality for your garden.
Compost
Compost is another great option for mulch. You can make this mulch yourself. It adds nutrients to the soil, making it healthier for plants.
Straw
Straw is the mulch choice that many gardeners choose for their vegetable gardens. It’s easy to spread and keeps gardens from getting too muddy.
Brown Mulch
You can find mulch in many different colors, but brown is one of the most popular. This mulch keeps plants healthy and the finished product looks polished.
4. How to Use Mulch in the Spring
Once the days start getting warmer and there are no more hard frosts, you can start thinking about spring mulching. Weed your garden bed and add a landscaping fabric to keep the weeds out. Make sure to cut holes in the fabric for your new baby plants to grow through.
Cover the landscaping fabric with your mulch to keep the soil warm and robust. Your plants should grow happy and strong.
5. How to Use Mulch in the Fall
Fall is the perfect time to add mulch to your winter-crop garden. Mulch helps insulate the soil and protect plants from cold weather. It also helps prevent water evaporation, which is especially crucial during the drier fall months.
There are a few things to keep in mind when using mulch in the fall. First, make sure to apply it evenly around your plants. You don’t want to pile it on too thick, as this can smother the roots.
If you want to provide added nutrients to your plants, be sure to use organic mulch. This will keep the soil healthy as the mulch breaks down.
Keep an eye on the weather. If you know heavy rain is coming, you may want to remove the mulch to prevent water logging.
6. How to Use Mulch in Winter
If you’re looking to protect your plants during the winter, mulch is a great option. Mulch helps to insulate the ground, keeping it warmer and helping to prevent frost heave. It can also help to keep the soil from drying out.
Make sure to remove any weeds from your garden before applying the mulch. Otherwise, the mulch will insulate the weeds and allow them to grow more easily.
When applying the mulch, be sure to apply a thick layer of it. Two to four inches is ideal. This will help to ensure that the mulch does its job and doesn’t get blown away by the wind.
Finally, make sure to choose the right type of mulch. A hardwood mulch, like pine bark or cedar, is a good option. Stay away from softwood mulches, like pine needles, as they are fast to decompose and won’t provide enough protection from the elements.
7. What Not to Do With Mulch
When it comes to mulching your garden, there are a few things you’ll want to avoid. Here are a few tips to help you get the most out of your mulch.
Too Much Mulch
Avoid using too much mulch. This can smother your plants and prevent them from getting the oxygen and moisture they need.
Wrong Mulch Type
Make sure you don’t use the wrong type of mulch. Some mulches can be harmful to your plants. Be sure to research the best type of mulch for your plants and location before applying it.
Old Mulch
Avoid using mulch that is too old. Mulch that is past its expiration date can start to decompose. Decomposing mulch can release harmful toxins into the soil. Get fresh mulch for your garden each year.
8. Where to Buy Mulch
There are several great places to buy mulch, but it depends on your needs and preferences. Here are a few tips to help you find the best place to buy mulch for your needs.
Reputable Mulch Dealer
Look for a reputable dealer. This is the most crucial factor in finding a good place to buy mulch. You want to find a dealer who is known for selling high-quality mulch.
Do some research online or ask around at your local nursery or garden center for recommendations.
Compare Prices
Once you’ve found a few reputable dealers, it’s time to compare prices. Mulch is not a cheap product, so you want to make sure you’re getting a good deal. Be sure to compare the price per cubic yard or per bag, as well as the shipping costs if you’re buying online.
Consider Quality
Besides the price, you also want to consider the quality of the mulch. This is especially important if you’re using mulch around trees or shrubs. You want to make sure you’re getting a product that is going to last.
Bulk Discounts
If you need a large quantity of mulch, you may be able to get a discount by buying it in bulk. This is something to check for when purchasing mulch.
9. What Mulch Delivery Is Like
Bulk mulch is typically delivered in a dump truck or trailer. The mulch is then unloaded using a forklift or other machinery. This method is best suited for large projects, such as commercial landscaping.
Bagged mulch is another option for those who don’t need a large quantity. The company you buy your mulch from will deliver these bags using a truck or trailer. This is a good option for smaller projects, such as home gardens.
You can also have a landscape company that specializes in this type of material deliver mulch to you. This is a good option for those who need a specific type or color of mulch. It can also save you time and resources instead of transporting it yourself.
Schedule Your Mulch Delivery and Get Gardening
With so many benefits, it’s no wonder that mulch is one of the most popular gardening products on the market. You can schedule your mulch delivery any time of the year and use your mulch to keep your garden looking and growing great.
If you need some help with your mulch, Fox Landscaping Supply can help. Our family-owned company has been providing exceptional service to our customers since 2019. Check out our mulch selection today.
