Not all gardeners regularly replace their mulch as it can be time-consuming and costly. However, there are plenty of reasons why mulching every year is the healthiest option for your garden.
In this article, I’ll give you the best tips for replacing mulch. Read on to find out why you should mulch every year!
Why Should You Mulch Every Year?
Here are four reasons why you should mulch every year.
1 – Deterioration
Mulch is an organic material that breaks down and decomposes over time.
When this happens, it releases its nutrients into the soil. As a result, you must replenish the mulch to maintain the nutrient density.
2 – Displacement
Next, mulch may get displaced due to water and wind. Over time, the mulch layer gets thinner and more ineffective in holding moisture.
According to Iowa State University, the ideal thickness for mulch is two to four inches. Because of this, you need to add fresh mulch to maintain the ideal mulch height.
3 – Bugs
Another reason why you should replace mulch is bugs.
Pests love laying eggs in old mulch. If you don’t replace it regularly, the bugs can hatch and multiply, causing damage to your plants!
Mulching every year saves you from having to use pesticides and chemicals on your precious vegetables.
4 – Souring
Mulch souring happens when there’s a lack of oxygen at the center and bottom of old mulch. The anaerobic condition leads to the production of ammonia and alcohol.
These compounds are toxic to your plants. What’s more, they’re dangerous because they add to the mulch’s flammability!
How Often Does Mulch Need to Be Replaced?
To ensure your garden remains in good health, you should replace highly compostable mulch once a year. These include leaves, twigs, and grass-type mulch.
Meanwhile, you can replace wood and rubber-type mulches once every three years.
The trick to determining when you must replace mulch is by checking it thoroughly.
If there’s little to no decomposition and bugs on the mulch, you may still reuse it. However, if your crops previously developed diseases, you must replace the mulch even if it’s still in good condition.
When Should You Replace Mulch?
Replace mulch when it’s starting to discolor or decompose.
Pull your old mulch out every February or in the middle of spring. Doing so means your plants receive high-quality mulch at the start of their growing season!
What Can You Do With Old Mulch?
Because old mulch is a breeding ground for pests and molds, it’s best to dispose of it properly.
Possible ways to get rid of old mulch are by composting it or burning it. You may also send it away with your compostable trash.
Other gardeners work old mulch into the ground as organic matter. You should only do this if your mulch is disease and bug-free.
4 Essential Tips for Replacing Mulch
Here are a few useful tips to ensure your garden has a healthy mulch layer!
1 – Remove Old Mulch
Avoid piling fresh mulch over old mulch. Old mulch doesn’t have as many nutrients. Plus, piling it on top can make the mulch layer too thick.
This is dangerous because a thick layer of mulch can combust when left untouched for a long time!
2 – Take the Weeds Out
Before applying a fresh layer of mulch, you should remove any growing weeds. If you skip this step, you’ll only boost weed growth in your garden.
3 – Rake New Mulch
Consider raking fresh mulch every three to four months.
Taking the time to rake mulch means you reintroduce air into the mulch to prevent souring. It can keep your mulch fresh for longer!
4 – Water Plants After Replacing Mulch
Replacing mulch exposes the soil to air, which may rescue its moisture. Additionally, fresh mulch is dry and flammable.
To stay on the safe side, you should water your plants after replacing the mulch.
FAQs
What Are the Benefits of Mulching?
Mulching improves your soil’s moisture retention. It provides nutrients to the soil and contributes to better air movement.
During the winter, mulch protects plants from frost damage. Mulch also prevents weeds from growing and encourages proper root growth!
How Do You Remove Mulch?
To remove mulch, scoop it up into a wheelbarrow using a rake or your hands. Pull out any weeds from the roots.
Finally, dispose of the old mulch to avoid pest and disease contamination.
How Long Can You Leave Mulch?
Some gardeners never replace old mulch and simply top old mulch up when it gets depleted. Of course, it’s best if you don’t leave it for long.
To have a healthy garden, you should replace mulch when it starts to decompose or discolor. Once a year is ideal.
Final Thoughts
Why should you mulch every year? The short answer is so that you can maintain a healthy garden.
Applying fresh mulch means you can minimize pests and stop toxins from forming. It also replenishes decomposed mulch for better moisture retention!
Ben has a bachelor’s degree in construction engineering. When not constructing or remodeling X-Ray Rooms, Cardiovascular Labs, and Pharmacies, you can find him at home with wife and two daughters. Outside of family, He loves grilling and barbequing on his Big Green Egg and Blackstone Griddle, as well as working on projects around the house.
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