Now that your low water-need plants are in and you have some irrigation, there’s one more important step to take in your garden to save you money and water: adding mulch. Mulching means applying a material, preferably organic, to exposed soil. Its purpose is to maintain soil moisture so that less water is needed. A side benefit is that mulch can suppress weed growth. An organic mulch will decompose over time, not only improving soil conditions but reducing soil erosion as well.

Organic mulch was once a living material such as shredded bark, wood chips, straw, and pine needles. Gardeners have been known to use newspapers and cardboard as well in the absence of organic material! Mulch is best applied after a rain or watering. At least 2 inches, but not more than 4, should be put down over the soil. More is not necessarily better as over mulching can create an unhealthy environment for plants, encouraging bacteria and other harmful organisms to take up residence.

Mulch is readily available in garden and nursery centers either in bulk or bagged. Wood chips generally come in different sizes and the bigger the chips, the longer it will last. Approximately every 3 years, new wood chips need to be added. Don’t forget to add some mulch to your outdoor plants in containers. Containers, especially clay pots, dry out quickly and a layer of mulch will help. Since we’re all rubbing nickels, there are also FREE mulch sources! Contact local arborists and/or tree trimming companies and see if they will deliver excess wood chips to your house.

Happy planting!

Debra Togliatti has her own gardening business: Weed It and Reap: Garden Restoration and Design and is a teacher who gets young children involved in gardening and nature experiences. She lives in the Bay Area of Northern California.

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