• Ask Mark
    • Search the Library
    • Mark’s Blog
    • eNewsletter / Subscribe
    • Books
    • Links
  • Cullen’s Foods
  • Trees For Life
  • Events
    • Gardening Communities
  • About Mark
    • Mark and Ben’s Bio
    • Book Mark as a Speaker
    • Mark in the Media
    • Contact Us
May 8, 2020

The Miracle of Mulch

By Mark and Ben Cullen
www.markcullen.com

We believe that 90 percent of our gardening success is rooted in proper ground preparation. Without a doubt, mulch is a major part of each planting procedure. Mulching with natural materials is very beneficial and serves so many different purposes that it is hard not to make it our number one garden rule.

Studies have shown that mulching reduces evaporation from the soil by up to 50 per cent. Evaporation can be particularly high in hot, dry and windy conditions, but can be a problem in all gardens. Mulch can also help if too much water or rain is a problem. It will improve poorly draining soil over time as it breaks down.

You can plant directly into some organic mulches rather than in the soil preventing your plants from having wet feet during a rainy spell.

The “insulating” effect of mulch is often overlooked even by experienced gardeners, yet it can be a real lifesaver for your plants, particularly shallow rooted perennials.

A layer of mulch keeps the soil cooler on hot days and warmer on cool days, meaning more gradual shifts in soil temperature. In summer, mulch can keep the ground cooler by as much as 6°C (11°F). This is particularly useful in very sunny, hot spots in the garden where high soil temperatures can create drying conditions that damage the roots, especially of shallow-rooted or newly planted plants.

Mark’s favourite mulch is shredded pine or cedar bark.

Apply six to eight centimeters (two to three inches) of this all-natural mulch over the surface of the soil in any part of your garden. It knits together when dry, isn’t washed or blown away and it smothers weeds very effectively. Once spread, the fibres knit together, forming a blanket that stays in place but still allows water to percolate through. After two to four years, it will begin to break down, adding valuable organic matter to the soil. Then you simply spread another layer over the bed.

An even layer 6 to 8 cm deep of mulch will help to reduce weeds in the garden. It allows your garden plants to compete with weeds and makes it easier to remove those weeds which do appear. Mulching can reduce weeding by up to 95% in the first year.

Heard enough? Fact is, it does not matter what growing zone in Canada you live, mulching provides many benefits. Perhaps the main benefit is providing you with more time to do the things you enjoy, including hanging in the hammock.

← Previous post
A Pandemic Gardener’s Manifesto by Lorraine Johnson

Next post →
Mark and Ben’s Ultimate Spring Checklist

Search

Recent Posts

  • Signs of Spring March 27, 2021
  • Around the Acres This Week February 2, 2021
  • Around the Acres This Week January 11, 2021
  • Around the Acres This Week December 9, 2020

Mark’s Blog by Month

Ask Mark

  • eNewsletter
  • Radio/Podcast
  • Magazine article
  • Newspaper column
  • TV

Recent Tweets

Mark Cullen Follow

Best selling Canadian gardening author as seen on TV, radio, online and print.

MarkCullen4
12 Jan

This was a great way to start the new year. Congratulations, Landscape Ontario, on this milestone! Thanks to all who made it happen. We’re looking forward to the next one.

#TreesForLife #Congress #LOCongress #ClimateAction #GoGreen #HOHTC

Reply on Twitter 1613670790612017153 Retweet on Twitter 1613670790612017153 5 Like on Twitter 1613670790612017153 5 Twitter 1613670790612017153
14 Nov

Likewise, Rocco!

Reply on Twitter 1592247424441290752 Retweet on Twitter 1592247424441290752 Like on Twitter 1592247424441290752 3 Twitter 1592247424441290752
3 Nov

The Highway of Heroes Tree Tribute will grow for generations.

Over 2 million trees for the women and men who have served in the @CanadianForces since Confederation. @MarkCullen4 @HOHTribute @CdnTreesforLife
https://toronto.ctvnews.ca/over-two-million-trees-planted-along-highway-of-heroes-in-eight-year-long-tribute-to-veterans-1.6136352

Reply on Twitter 1588203194349285377 Retweet on Twitter 1588203194349285377 3 Like on Twitter 1588203194349285377 5 Twitter 1588203194349285377
3 Nov

A very special day- with thanks for your support going back to the beginning of this campaign!

Reply on Twitter 1587983198251847681 Retweet on Twitter 1587983198251847681 2 Like on Twitter 1587983198251847681 10 Twitter 1587983198251847681

Comments are closed.

About Mark and Ben


Mark Cullen is an expert gardener, author & broadcaster and holds the Order of Canada. His son Ben is a fourth-generation urban gardener and graduate of Guelph and Dalhousie University.
More

Find Mark On

Sponsored Links

Highway of Heroes cullensfoods Share Agriculture Foundation Harrowsmith
© Mark Cullen. Go to top ↑