Mulch, but mulch properly...

So apparently you are going to need to mulch your flower beds or vegetable plot. But ‘why?' you ask. Because mulching provides the soil with a protective layer that in turn protects your plants by preventing weeds from growing. 

Which crops and plants require mulching?

- Home-grown vegetables, fruit trees, hedge bushes, bedding plants, and even potted plants; in fact mulching is important for almost all plants that require plenty of water – delphiniums, petunias, dahlias, chrysanthemums, strawberry plants, tomatoes, lettuces, courgettes, and so on. 
- Plants which don't like humidity should not be mulched (garlic, onions, shallots); neither should rock-garden plants or so-called ground cover plants as they are too close to the soil. 

Benefits of mulching

- Mulching limits weeds. 
- It prevents the soil from drying which means less watering is required. 
- It nourishes and improves the quality of the soil, as when the mulch (i.e. the kind derived from plant matter) decomposes, it turns into humus and enriches the earth. No more need to work the ground to keep it loose. 
- Mulching prevents erosion caused by runoff. 
- It provides protection against harsh weather conditions such as hot and cold temperatures, wind and heavy rains which cause a dense crust to form leading the soil beneath to dry out. 
- It boosts plant growth by warming the soil. 
-It limits the need to use chemical weed killers, which may be harmful to the environment and which are certainly quite costly and highly restrictive. 
-It avoids the trouble of manual weeding which all beginners and experienced gardeners find a chore. 
- It also enhances landscaping. Many mulches play a dual role in that they are protective and decorative (slate, pozzolan, bark shavings, etc.). 

Tips for successful mulching

- The earth should be fully weeded beforehand as mulch does not act as a weedkiller and weeds will inevitably grow back. By making an effort to weed properly before you mulch, you won't have to worry about weeds for some time. 
- For natural mulches, a minimum layer of approximately 7cm should be applied, since it is the thickness that guarantees the mulch's opacity. Remember to add a couple of centimetres of mulch from time to time as the original layer transforms into humus. 
- Never mulch in strong wind. 
- Don't mulch on frozen ground as it will take longer for the earth to thaw. 
- Watering should be done before and after mulching. 
- And if you don't like the appearance of a particular mulch, simply cover one mulch with 
another: bark shavings over a mulch mat or slate chippings over woven mulching fabric, 
for example. 

Mulching throughout the seasons

- In Spring, soil temperature rises with that of the air. Remove mulch from around trees to prevent parasites from developing during the growing period. However, if you are not enchanted with the idea of removing the mulch, at least try to ventilate the soil by regular raking. Remember that spring is the best time of year for renewal. 
- In summer, during periods of hot weather, scatter mulch onto dampened soil. During prolonged periods of drought, rake the mulch to allow rainwater to eventually penetrate the soil.
- In autumn, loosen the soil and cover with mulch. When spring comes, you will be glad that you spent a little time raking as you'll have an excellent textured and highly fertile soil. Another advantage of autumn mulching is that is protects herbaceous plants from the cold. Autumn is the best period for applying mulch. It helps to protect perennials from the rigours of winter while respecting the cycle of nature. Organic mulch, derived from plant material will decompose over the winter thus nourishing the soil with all the nutrients it requires. 

EXTRA TIPS: For plants susceptible to rotting, avoid the growth of mould by using a 
light mulch that offers good ventilation (straw or fern mulch).