Mulch Madness

About this time every year, the daffodils bloom and the mulch piles begin to appear in driveways. Despite the articles that caution you to wait to spread mulch, most homeowners ignore the advice because, well, mulch is important. However, early spring really is not a good time to mulch. Here are some things to consider before you spread mulch on your gardens and plantings:

1. Mulch when the ground is warm and damp as it is in June to seal in these ideal growing conditions. In early spring the soil is not warm enough for the plants to grow even with a warm spell. And since it’s pretty wet in the spring, you are sealing in cold and wet - ideal conditions for rot. If you wait until June to mulch, you will have plants that are healthy all season long.
2. Never add more than two inches of mulch unless you want nothing to grow. Rain will not penetrate lots of mulch and the ground will dry out and your plants will look terrible by mid-summer. Since you want to block seedling growth yet allow the plants to be healthy, adding 1-2 inches of mulch is ideal. And it will save you some money.
3. Avoid piling mulch around the base of plants – this is called “volcano” mulching since that’s the shape it takes (see picture). Instead use a “donut” pattern with the plant in the center of the donut. The donut should begin 3-5 inches away from the plant. Having the mulch touch the plant allows plant eating insects to have a covered skyway to the plant or tree where they can eat all day and not be bothered by birds or people – the result is eventually plant death.
4. Avoid cypress mulch since whole cypress groves are being cut down so homeowners can have this type of mulch. Peat moss is also collected from sensitive areas that should not be disturbed. There are many other mulch varieties that are just as good.
5. For healthy trees, mulch 1-2 inches deep to the drip line of the tree. Trees that don’t have to compete with grass for water and nutrients will be healthier and grow more quickly.

The bottom line is to wait until June to mulch most plants, add only what is needed, and consider what the plant needs for growth.

Macy Reynolds, Greene County Master Gardener