Mulching plants

Beds and borders can quickly dry out or be taken over by weeds, so use a layer of mulch across the soil surface to prevent this. Many different materials can be used to cover the soil’s surface, including bark chippings, leaf mould, well-rotted farmyard manure or crushed shells.

Mulching has many benefits. It can help to provide nutrients to plants, locks in moisture, forms a barrier against weeds and can help to insulate the roots of vulnerable plants from winter cold. It can also be used for decorating the tops of pots.

In the autumn, spread a ring of mulch around newly planted trees, shrubs or herbaceous perennials. In early winter, tender plants like Verbena bonariensis or dahlias will benefit from a thick mulch. It will help protect roots and the crown of the plant from frost.

The best time to mulch entire beds or borders is in late-winter or early spring. This will trap in moisture from wet weather and ensure beds don’t dry out quickly in the heat of summer.

Before mulching make sure the site is clear of weeds and the soil is moist. Water if necessary as it’s difficult to wet dry soil through a layer of mulch. Fill up a wheelbarrow with your chosen mulch and spread a 5cm (2in) layer around plants or across the soil with a spade, leaving a little gap around the stems of plants. Rake to a level finish.

• Well-rotted manure can be bought from garden centres or in bulk from farms and stables. In the fruit or vegetable garden it provides plants with nutrients as it decomposes. Wear gloves when handling and apply to borders in spring.

• Bark looks good and improves soil as it rots down. It's sold in different grades, which differ in ornamental appearance and the speed they break down in the soil. Generally, the finer the material, the quicker it rots.

• Cocoa shell is ideal for flowerbeds. Wear gloves and water well after laying - this lets the shells bind together. Avoid if you’re a dog owner - its strong chocolately smell is irresistible to pooches, but will upset their stomachs.

• Gravel and grit are great around tricky alpine plants. The coarse material will prevent rotting at the base, as the rain will run straight through it.

• Grass clippings can be used around plants in summer, but they don’t look attractive so use at the back of the border or under large shrubs. If you have treated the grass with weed killer do not use the clippings for at least four cuts.

• Chopped organic wheat straw is perfect for using in large areas and makes a long lasting layer that adds organic matter back to the soil. Wear gloves when handling.

• Crushed CDs, tumbled glass, polished pebbles and crushed shells are decorative mulches for small areas and are best used in the tops of pots.

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