Each gardener has a different view of which factors go into the making of a healthy garden.
Yet, the one thing they all agree on is mulch.
Mulch is any type of material used to cover the surface of the soil. It’s used for a host of things like improving the health of the soil, enhancing the visual appeal of the area, and conserving soil moisture.
Another benefit to mulching is that it can prevent weed growth.
No one really knows where weeds come from. All we know is that they’re not welcome in our gardens. They hoard nutrients, water, and sunlight away from our plants. Some may even harbor diseases or attract pests, which can be detrimental to your garden’s health.
If you’re suffering from a weed problem, you’ve come to the right place. In this post, we’ll talk about how mulch can prevent weeds, the best types to use, and how much.
Let’s dive in.
Can You Put Mulch Over Weeds?
Yes, you can.
By placing a physical barrier, like mulch, over the weeds, you block their access to sunlight.
Along with air, nutrients, and water, sunlight is one of all plants’ essential needs to survive and grow. If they don’t get the light they need, they’ll wither away and die.
Remember, weeds are resilient. So, they’ll definitely put up a fight and try to force their way through. Although, if the layer of mulch is thick enough, it’ll smother the weeds and they won’t be able to make it.
How Many Inches Of Mulch Do You Need To Prevent Weeds?
Weeds are hardy and resilient. Yet, they can’t survive without access to nutrients in the soil.
This is where mulch comes in.
To prevent new weeds from growing, adding a thick layer of mulch means the seeds have no way of reaching the soil. Hence, they can’t grow.
This is why the layer of mulch needs to be thick enough to retain moisture within the soil while still smothering the weeds and preventing new ones from growing.
Experts recommend placing between 2–3 inches of mulch. More than three inches can damage shrubs and tree trunks. Anything less than two inches, however, can still allow sunlight to pass through, giving way to seeds to germinate and new weeds to start growing.
When placing the layer of mulch, keep it 1–2 inches away from flower stems, stalks, shrubs, and tree trunks. When shoved right up against the place, it can hold moisture, which may cause your plant to rot.
How Often Should You Replenish Mulch?
Organic mulches break down over time. As a result, your plants and soil will receive a wealth of nutrients and minerals to ensure they’re healthy and strong.
Yet, it also means you need to replenish the layer of mulch every year. The most effective way to do it is to add an inch of mulch to maintain the initial three inches you added when you were first starting out.
The best time to do this would be either in the spring or in the fall.
Which Mulch Is Best To Prevent Weeds?
Below is a quick overview of each type of mulch, as well as some of their pros and cons.
Organic Mulch
As mentioned above, organic mulches deteriorate over time and break down into the soil. Yet, two types remain longer than the rest: chipped or shredded bark.
The good news is that this means you don’t need to replenish them as often as those that decompose. However, they don’t offer that much nutritional value to the soil.
This is why gardeners mainly use them for decorative purposes and often spread them around pathways, shrubs, and trees.
Other types of organic mulches include by-products from woods like cedar, pine, cypress, and other hardwoods. You can easily get them from sawmills in your area.
Inorganic Mulch
There are several types of inorganic mulch including rubber, gravel, pebbles, river rocks, plastic, landscape fabric, and reflective metallic.
The best thing about inorganic mulch is its aesthetic appeal. It’s available in a wide range of colors to add visual appeal to your garden.
Plus, it doesn’t decompose. This means it’s long-lasting and cost-effective because you don’t have to reapply a fresh layer each year.
The downside is that it won’t add nutrients to the soil. Though, you can always counter that by using fertilizer.
DIY Mulch
If you’re looking to add mulch for aesthetic purposes, we recommend using the nonorganic variety or shredded bark. On the other hand, if you’re mulching as a way to preserve the integrity and health of your plants, there are more inexpensive alternatives to consider.
For example, compost, sawdust, straw, grass clippings, and leaves are some of the cheapest mulches around. They’re also all-natural, which means they’ll also benefit the soil.
However, straw, grass, and leaves may contain weed seeds. The only way you’ll know is when they break down and weeds start popping up in their place.
The only way to avoid this is to periodically add more of your choice of mulch to choke out the light and discourage any potential weed seeds from germinating.
Final Thoughts
Mulching is an easy and effective way to maintain a healthy garden. By adding the right amount, you can help boost nutrients and maintain moisture levels in the soil.
We also like mulch because of its ability to smother weeds and prevent new ones from growing. Whether you buy organic or inorganic, or simply make your own, your plants will thank you for it!
Growing up with a mom who filled her home (inside and out) with all sorts of plants, Lisa got her start in gardening at a young age. Living now on her own with a home and yard full of plants (including an indoor greenhouse), she shares all the gardening tips she’s gained over the years.