Mulching flower beds

Mulches improve plant growth in a number of ways, by regulating soil temperature, keeping plant roots cool in summer yet warm in winter, by reducing water loss or evaporation, and they also halt unwanted seeds from germinating by reducing light reaching into the soil.

From a pure ornamental perspective, mulch is used widely to improve the visual appearance of borders, with the warm rich red and orange colours of pine bark creating a superb backdrop for planting.

For moisture retention, especially in drier regions of the country like East Anglia, mulch plays an important part in retaining moisture levels within the soil, preventing evaporation of rainfall.

For weed control, mulches are ideal. Always remove all perennial weeds before mulching, otherwise they, like your plants, will benefit from the mulching protection.

Mulches should not be applied when the soil is cold or frozen, since this risks being counter productive and the soil will remain cold beneath your mulch layer.  Always wait until springtime when the soil temperature has warmed.