Using mulches Mulches are an invaluable gardening aid, saving time and effort by keeping weeds down and water in.
Mulches reduce the amount of water lost by evaporation from the soil by forming a barrier.
They are made from material such as gravel, bark or coco shell that are applied to the surface of the soil, whether this is around the base of trees and shrubs or on the surface of pots and containers. The best time to apply a mulch is in spring or early summer, before temperatures start to rise. This ensures that as much moisture as possible is kept in the ground, just as plants are actively growing. Reduces weeds A thick mulch reduces weed growth by smothering them before they can break through the surface. Most mulches break down into the soil during the winter months to improve its structure and to provide nutrients or better drainage for next years plants.