The most valuable task to do in your garden at this time of year

If you only do one thing in your garden this winter try to MULCH IT! Your garden will thank you for it in the warmer months. Ideally before mulching try to remove as many weeds as possible. Mulch will have many benefits for you in the garden. They are;

-Act as a weed supressant

-Help hold mositure in the soil

-Act as a layer of insulation to prevent temperature extremes (helps with heat and frost)

-Over time as it breaks down it will add some organic matter to the soil.

Select a mulch you can access easily and buy in bulk.  My favourite is Sugar Cane mulch but you can’t buy this in bulk. Try to avoid buying any dyed large chunky pine bark mulches.

Mulch Tips

Here are my tips for spreading mulch

Step 1 – Always water your plants well before mulching.

Step 2 – If possible lay a layer of newspaper over the open soil areas in between your plants and then water this. This is an extra layer that acts as a physical barrier to help smother any weed growth. It will break down over time.

DO NOT USE BLACK PLASTIC OR WEED MAT  FOR THIS LAYER!!!

Step 3 – Spread your chosen mulch over all open areas but be carefuul not to bury any plants in the mulch.

Step 4 – Water the mulch in  thoroughly

Types of Mulch

Straw is a great mulch for vegetable gardens. It decomposes quickly and improves the soil as it decays

Sugar Cane mulch is made from dried sugar cane leaves. It encourages helpful soil organisms.

Lucerne mulch has the added advantage of giving your soil extra nitrogen as it breaks down.

Wood mulches – these will last a long time on the surface of the garden beds however as they breakdown they do take the nitrogen out of the soil – may need to supplement the level of nitrogen in the soil for the plants. It’s worth just being aware of this. You will notice more yellowing leaves if it is causing a problem.

Fallen Autumn Leaves can be gathered up and used as mulch. You should shred them first because whole leaves often blow away or you can also compost those down