Mulch is a great way to enhance the look of a flower bed or garden. It provides a rich color, while protecting the plants by retaining much-needed moisture. It is a fairly simple task to mulch a flower bed. Start by clearing the surface area of weeds or trash. Once this is completed, cover the flower bed area with about 4 inches (10 cm) of mulch. It is important to leave enough room around each flower to allow for adequate plant growth and sunlight exposure.
Most mulch beds require yearly maintenance. This includes weed control and mulch replacement. As the mulch deteriorates, it turns into dirt and typically blows away. It is important to replace the mulch bed each year. This helps to keep the flower bed fresh and healthy for planting.
One of the first steps when mulching a flower bed is the removal of grass and weeds from the gardening area. This can be completed with a shovel or special sod-removal tool that is designed to remove the roots of grass. Once the grass is removed, the dirt can be covered with mulch.
Managing the removal of grass and weeds is one of the most time-consuming processes of maintaining a flowerbed or garden. Weeds are typically easier to control when the gardener mulches his flower bed. This mulch makes it more difficult for weeds to grow through the soil because blowing seeds cannot penetrate the mulch surface.
There are multiple types of mulch available to mulch a flower bed. These products come in many colors, shapes, and sizes. When planning to mulch a flower bed, it is important to determine what type of mulch will be used. The amount of mulch you'll need to adequately cover your flower bed will vary depending on the type of mulch you choose.
Mulch can also be used as a decorative design around trees and driveways. This type of landscaping gives the yard area a professional, polished look. Adding mulch as a landscaping enhancement typically provides curb appeal for the home.
Shredded mulch is one of the most popular types of mulch. This type of mulch retains moisture well, while providing an earthy look to the flowerbed. This mulch is typically available in black or brown.
Nugget mulch is more decorative in design but typically requires more material for coverage of the flower bed. The nugget mulch is available in many colors. It is typically available in large or small nugget form. This nugget gives the appearance of bark chips on the flowerbed.