Deciding when to Mulch

Most people will agree that mulch, properly applied, is very good for your garden.  The mulch master website (http://themulchmasters.com/whyMulch.html) has a nice summary of the good things that can come from mulching.

Reduce surface evaporation from the soil

Improve water penetration and air movement

Moderate soil temperature fluctuations

Protect shallow-root plants from freeze damage and frost-heave

Discourage weed growth

Improve soil structure and nutrient availability as they decompose

One of the questions that has recently been asked around here is not whether to mulch, but when to mulch.  You may mulch in the late fall, preparing the beds for winter.  You may wait until spring when you’re preparing your beds for planting or wait until after the seeds have sprouted and mulch around them.

There are a few problems that may be encountered by mulching over the seeds.  Considering that mulch helps prevent weeds by slowing down the germination of the weed seed, it shouldn’t come as too much of a surprise that it may also inhibit the germination of the flower or vegetable seeds that are trying to grow in the same area.  Although mulch can protect small plants from a freeze, it may hold the cold in the ground if it’s been covered for the winter.  This will delay germination while the seeds are waiting for the soil to warm up.  It may also hold so much moisture in the ground that the seeds will rot, or block out the sun that some seeds need for healthy germination.

If you have mulched for the winter, it is a good idea to scoop the mulch away from the area where you plan on planting and then spread it back out after the plants have sprouted.  Even clearing an area as small as a bowl is sufficient to overcome the hazards of mulching over the seeds.  If you do want to keep the mulch on the bed, it is a good idea to make sure it is very thin – half an inch is plenty until you see sprouts.

Hope this little bit of information helps out!