Daily gardening tip · Southern hemisphere · Monday 14 September 2026 · early spring
Calculate Your Spring Mulch Needs
Ordering your organic mulch ahead of time ensures you have it ready to spread the moment the soil warms up next month.
15 minuteseasymulching
Measure the length and width of the garden beds you plan to mulch.
Multiply the length by the width to find the total square area of each bed.
Aim for a mulch depth of five to seven centimeters for optimal weed suppression and moisture retention.
Use an online calculator or ask your supplier to convert your area measurements and desired depth into cubic meters.
Contact your local garden center to pre-order your organic mulch for delivery next month.
Why it works
Spreading mulch too early can trap winter cold in the soil, which slows down spring root growth. Ordering your organic mulch now guarantees you will have the materials on hand to apply a thick, protective layer as soon as the soil reaches the correct temperature next month.
An annual herb found in wetlands and moist disturbed areas across eastern North America. It produces flower heads without ray florets (discoid) and barbed fruits that cling to fur and clothing.
BBC Gardeners’ World Autumn Fair 2026 show garden winners
The BBC Gardeners’ World Autumn Fair has named the winners of its garden design competitions, which include a designer named Edward Doherty, the Association of Professional Landscapers, and a group called Amaranth Collaborative.
Ancient avocado trees in Central America reveal hidden genetic diversity
Scientists found distinct avocado trees growing in Central America that were brought from South America thousands of years ago. These native trees carry unique traits like resistance to common root diseases. Gardeners and farmers could use these resilient varieties to protect future avocado crops from disease and climate changes.
German naturalist Alexander von Humboldt was born on 14 September 1769
Prussian naturalist Alexander von Humboldt was born on 14 September 1769. He mapped how climate and geography shape plant distribution across the world. His pioneering work established botanical geography and laid the foundation for modern plant ecology.