Mulch will help preserve moisture, keep the plants happy and suppress fungal diseases.
Mulching is an important part of gardening. A good layer of mulch preserves moisture, keep the soil evenly moist and cool and also can prevent fungal diseases too.
The question is, “what should you mulch with?”
It’s all about what looks good to you.
In the vegetable garden I prefer straw. It’s easy to find, cheap and looks fine in there.
But in the ornamental beds I use different things. I like bark mulch, but when I can I use something that will release nutrients like Sweet Peet or compost.
Cocoa mulch smells great and gives you a different look. Don’t worry about all the stories about dogs eating the mulch and getting sick. 98 percent of dogs won’t eat it and most of the products available now have been treated so they can’t harm pets.
Watering and mulching go hand in hand.
To do it right, get out in the morning. This gets the plants ready for the day, and allows them time for their foliage to dry off.
That’s important, we don’t water at night because if a plant’s leaves stay wet, they could be affected by fungal diseases.
When you water anything, be sure you soak the plant. That includes the lawn too. One soaking a week is all most plants need.