Seasonal Tips for Summer - Mulching

Summer is not the best time to apply a new mulch but you can top- up existing mulches and use decorative materials to mulch container grown plants.
- It is very important not to apply a mulch over dry soil, as this will actually prevent some rainwater from reaching the soil below. If you need to apply a mulch over soil that is not completely moist then it is essential to thoroughly water the area first. Be sure to really soak the ground and scrape away the top surface to see how deep the water has gone before you apply a mulch over the top. If you have only wet the top inch or so of soil, water more thoroughly before applying a mulch.
- Use an ornamental mulch on the surface of your pots and containers. It not only looks good, but it also insulates the plant roots from high temperatures and late frosts. More importantly it helps to retain moisture in the compost. Make sure the compost is wet through before applying the mulch. Use a small piece bark such as Decorative Mini Bark for the best-looking results over a small area.
Gardening tips for this Summer:
If you would like to refer back to the Seasonal Tips for April/May click here.
If you would like to refer back to the Seasonal Tips for February/March click here.