Mulching is a crucial practice for maintaining a healthy garden. It helps retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and improve soil fertility. But how long does mulch last before it needs to be replenished? Here’s what you need to know.
The Lifespan of Mulch
The longevity of mulch depends on the type you use, organic mulches like wood chips and compost need replenishing annually or semi-annually, while coarser mulches can last up to two years. Inorganic mulches such as gravel, stones, and rubber can last for many years but may require occasional maintenance.
- Organic Mulches: These include wood chips, bark, straw, and compost. Organic mulches decompose over time, enriching the soil with nutrients. Typically, you should top up organic mulches once a year. For finer mulches like compost, more frequent replenishment, about twice per year, may be necessary.
- Coarser Mulches: Larger wood chips and bark nuggets tend to last longer due to their slower decomposition rate. These may only need replenishing every two years.
- Inorganic Mulches: Gravel, stones, and rubber mulches do not decompose and can last for many years. However, they may require occasional cleaning and replenishing to maintain their appearance and effectiveness.
Tips for Maintaining Your Mulch:
1: Monitor Thickness
For
effective weed suppression, moisture retention, and soil temperature
regulation, mulch is typically laid 50-100mm thick. The amount of mulch you
need largely depends on the size of the area you're covering and the desired
thickness of the mulch layer.
2: Ventilate
Occasionally, turn your mulch to prevent compaction and improve air and water flow to the soil.
3: Refresh Colour
Coloured mulches fade over time. The colour may last up to 2 years but if aesthetics is important, consider adding a fresh layer of mulch to brighten up your garden.
Regular maintenance and replenishment of mulch are essential for sustaining its benefits to your garden. Whether you choose organic or inorganic mulch, understanding its lifespan and knowing when to top it up will help keep your garden thriving. At Daisy's Garden Supplies, we offer a range of high-quality mulches at affordable prices to support your gardening needs.
By incorporating these tips and best practices, you can ensure that your mulch continues to support your garden's needs!