Mulch—the unsung hero of gardens everywhere. You might think it’s just a fancy word for bark chips, but mulch is so much more. It’s your garden’s cozy blanket, its all-weather armor, and its secret sauce for thriving plants. But when it comes to mulching, timing is everything. Apply mulch at the wrong time, and you could do more harm than good. Don’t worry. We’re here to guide you on when to mulch throughout the year to help your garden thrive.

When to Mulch: A Guide for Every Season

Spring: Mulch’s Time to Shine

Spring is the superstar season for mulching. As the soil warms up from its winter slumber, adding mulch helps retain warmth while keeping weeds from making an unwelcome appearance.

Here’s how to do it right:

• Wait for the thaw: If the ground is still frozen, hold off on mulching. Trapping cold soil beneath a layer of mulch can delay plant growth.
• Clean house: Clear away any old mulch, debris, or leftover leaves before laying down a fresh layer. Think of it as a spring cleaning for your garden beds.
• Spread wisely: Aim for about 2-3 inches of mulch. Too much, and your plants will suffocate. Too little, and weeds will have the last laugh.

Want to get a head start on your mulching? Order bulk delivery today.

Summer: Mulch as the Garden’s Sunscreen

As summer heats up, mulch steps up as your garden’s personal SPF. It keeps the soil cool, locks in moisture, and prevents your plants from drying out. If you mulched in spring, you’re golden! Just check if it needs a little top-up to maintain that protective layer. Remember, summer is about maintenance, not overhauls.

Fall: Mulching’s Undercover Operation

Fall mulching is less about show-stopping blooms and more about prepping your garden for the winter.

Here’s what to do:

• Wait for the drop: After the first hard frost, add a layer of mulch to insulate the soil and protect plant roots from the freeze-thaw cycles of winter.
• Go thicker: In fall, a 3–4-inch layer works best. This keeps your soil cozy without inviting pests to make a winter home.
• Use organic mulch: Materials like shredded leaves or straw work wonders as they break down over the winter and enrich your soil for spring.

Winter: To Mulch or Not to Mulch?

Winter mulching is like the cherry on top of your garden prep. If you didn’t get to it in the fall, it’s not too late to add a protective layer before the snow really piles up. Just remember: winter mulch is about insulation, not decoration. Keep it natural and focus on protecting perennials and shrubs.

Get Your Mulch Today!

As we gear up for spring, now is the time to find your mulch match with Greendell. Order ahead today to prep your spring order. Remember––empty beds are NO fun. So, grab a rake, and let mulch work its magic!