Daily gardening tip · Southern hemisphere · Thursday 29 October 2026
Water Soil Before Laying Mulch
Laying mulch over dry soil can actually prevent rain from reaching plant roots at this time of year.
20 minuteseasymulching
Check the moisture of your garden bed by pushing a finger a few centimetres into the soil.
If the soil feels dry, soak the entire area thoroughly with a hose or watering can.
Wait a few minutes to let the water sink deep into the ground rather than pooling on top.
Spread your organic mulch in a even layer over the damp soil.
Keep the mulch a few centimetres away from plant stems to prevent rot.
Why it works
Mulch acts as a barrier that locks in existing soil moisture. If you place dry mulch over dry dirt, the mulch absorbs any light rainfall or watering first, trapping the dry soil underneath and keeping essential moisture away from your plants' roots.
An aromatic, evergreen shrub with woody stems and narrow, needle-like leaves. Native to the Mediterranean basin, it produces small two-lipped flowers ranging from white to pale blue or purple
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