Daily gardening tip · Southern hemisphere · Friday 21 August 2026 · late winter
Keep mulch away from plant stems
Applying mulch in late winter prepares your garden beds for spring, but piling it directly against plant stems can cause them to rot.
15 minuteseasymulching
Clear away any weeds or dead debris from the soil around your plants.
Spread a layer of organic mulch, such as wood chips or straw, about two inches deep over the garden bed.
Use your hands to pull the mulch back about three inches from the main stem or trunk of each plant.
Leave a clear circle of bare soil around the base of the plant so the stem can breathe.
Why it works
When mulch touches plant stems, it traps moisture directly against the bark or stalk. This constant dampness can cause the stem to rot and allows pests or fungal diseases to enter the plant. Leaving a small gap of bare soil keeps the stem dry while the surrounding roots still benefit from the mulch.
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