AN organic hack that provides plants with a protective layer could be just what your garden needs to flourish.
A landscaping professional has revealed how to do the hack for a beautiful weed-free outdoor space.
Skipping mulching isn’t just sacrificing the aesthetics of your garden, but also potentially limiting the potential for plants to thrive.
The process involves applying a material around the soil surface and greenery to protect them.
This can help to retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, suppress weeds, and improve soil health.
Brandon Rushing is the founder and CEO of Brandon Rushing Lawn and Garden Care in Northern Virginia.
He said there are many mulch options to choose from depending on whether you aim to enhance soil structure and “support beneficial organisms” or focus more on weed control.
“Organic mulches, such as wood chips, straw, or shredded leaves, provide nutrient-rich benefits as they decompose,” he said.
“Some less common organic mulches include crushed shells, pine needles, and cocoa bean hulls, which leaves your garden smelling faintly of chocolate.”
“Inorganic mulches like gravel or rubber mulch offer long-lasting weed control and are considered permanent.”
Rushing revealed that the time and method used can affect how effective your mulching will be.
He recommended waiting until the soil warms up in late spring to apply the first layer for suppressed weeds during the growing season.
As summer approaches, it may be necessary to reapply mulch if the layer breaks down.
The garden expert said applying mulch in the fall can be useful for protecting plants from winter frost.
The first step when applying mulch is to use a pre-emergent product that will help to reduce weed growth.
He said the soil must be watered thoroughly and loosened gently with weeds and debris removed before applying mulch.
This step is crucial for the best water penetration.
Next, he recommends edging the area to prevent it from “spilling out” onto your lawn or pathways.
Tony Williams is the Estate Manager at Mount Ephraim Country House & Gardens in the UK.
He revealed to The U.S. Sun the best organic remedies for getting rid of weeds.
Two ingredient mix: “Mix four liters of vinegar, 250 grams of salt, and a tablespoon of soap for a potent weed killer,” he said.
Lemon juice: “Whether freshly squeezed or from a bottle, lemon juice is a simple, natural herbicide,” he revealed.
Boiling water: “Pouring boiling water on weeds can kill them instantly without harming nearby plants,” he said.
Diluted rubbing alcohol: “Spray this solution on weeds to induce water loss and effectively kill them,” he said.
Hand-picking: “Focus on removing them early, especially notorious ones like dandelions, to prevent seeds from scattering,” he said.
He warned that piling mulch against plant stems or tree trunks can cause rotting and disease.
He said the mulch only needs to be around 3 inches thick.
Rushing revealed once the mulch has been applied it needs to be routinely replenished as over time it decomposes.
Leaf mulch can be made by bagging up leaves in the fall and waiting around 12 months, according to Gardeners’ World.
However, composted woodchips or bark may be better to retain more moisture and improve soil structure.
Natural cedar chips are available for $13.99 on Amazon.
“I like this mulch for my roses,” one customer said.
“It keeps the soil cool and moist and my roses have done well with it.”
“This product keeps my soil for my plant moist longer, I love that!” another shopper said.
Amazon’s Harmiden store sells a two-pack roll of recycled rubber mulch for $55.99.
According to the manufacturer, it can be “easily cut and shaped” to fit your desired area and has been designed to block weeds while allowing water and essential nutrients to reach the soil.
Over 100 people have purchased it in the past month and happy customers have given it a 4.6-star rating.
One shopper described it as “very sturdy,” while another said it “looks good” and raved it will keep weeds away.
