The field sequence

See the work, then move through it in order.

Illustrated field sequence for how to mulch a garden, showing the key decisions and physical steps.
  1. 01Identify whether the bed needs warming, cooling, weed suppression, or splash reduction.
  2. 02Remove established weeds before covering the surface.
  3. 03Water dry soil before mulching.
  4. 04Apply an appropriate clean material at a useful depth.
  5. 05Leave breathing room around stems and crowns.
  6. 06Inspect beneath mulch rather than assuming moisture is adequate.

Common mistakes

Compare the failure point before changing the plan.

×Mulching cold soil too earlyIt replaces observation with an assumption.
×Piling material against stemsIt creates work the garden cannot sustain.
×Using contaminated or inappropriate materialIt solves the visible symptom without checking the system.