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This week’s Action of the Week will help you save water while enjoying additional environmental benefits: add mulch to your garden. Mulch is a layer of a material that is used to spread over soil that acts like a covering. Adding just a 2 to 3 inch layer of mulch can help slow water evaporation and prevent weeds from sprouting.
As mentioned, mulch offers other benefits as well. It protects against temperature changes, keeping roots cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. Organic mulch adds nutrients to your soil when they decompose. Mulch also attracts earthworms because they use the mulch for food and shelter, and earthworms are a sign of healthy soil. Mulch also prevents erosion and can reduce stormwater velocity and improve infiltration. Mulch can even help prevent pests and from spreading disease. For even more benefits of organic mulch, check out this short video.
It's beneficial to mulch in the Fall because it will help protect soil and roots from poor weather. Be sure to first prepare for mulching by clearing debris and dead plants from the area. (You can compost these for later use.) The next step is to choose the right mulch for your area (thespruce.com has a nice piece on the different kinds of mulch options and where it is best to use each type). When it becomes time to apply the mulch, be sure to spread it evenly and make it about 3 inches deep. Thespruce.com even has a Mulch Calculator to help you plan better.
Consider adding mulch to your garden and plants to save water and reap the benefits of a healthy landscape and garden. If you need a refresher on how to plant a garden, check out Week 17’s Tip of the Week.
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