How to Mulch Your Garden: A Complete Guide for Beginners

Clear and Prepare the Area

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Before applying mulch, thoroughly clean the area by removing all weeds, rocks, and debris. Pull weeds by hand or use a garden hoe to ensure you get the entire root system. If dealing with persistent weeds, consider laying down landscape fabric after clearing. Rake the soil surface smooth to create an even foundation for the mulch.

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Calculate Mulch Quantity Needed

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Measure your garden area's length and width in feet, then multiply these numbers to get the square footage. For optimal weed suppression and moisture retention, you'll want to apply mulch 2-4 inches deep. One cubic yard of mulch covers approximately 100 square feet at 3 inches deep. For smaller areas, remember that one cubic foot of mulch covers about 4 square feet at 3 inches deep.

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Choose the Right Type of Mulch

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Select mulch based on your garden's needs and aesthetic preferences. Organic options include wood chips, bark, straw, leaves, or compost. Each type has specific benefits: wood chips last longer and are ideal for paths, bark is attractive and good for shrubs, straw works well in vegetable gardens, and compost adds nutrients but breaks down quickly.

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Create Proper Plant Spacing

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Leave adequate space around plant stems and tree trunks when applying mulch. For perennials and annuals, leave 2-3 inches of space around the base. For trees and shrubs, maintain a 3-6 inch gap between the mulch and trunk to prevent rot and pest problems. This spacing allows proper air circulation and prevents moisture-related diseases.

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