When is it safe to mulch your plants?

When to mulch depends on the mulches function. If it is it for weed suppression and moisture retention then the spring is best. If it is for additional nutrients and giving winter protection then the fall is best. REASON'S TO MULCH 1 Mulch serves as a block to slow the evaporation rate of the soil. As long as the mulch is loose and not compacted it will serve to slow the rate water evaporates. Once compacted into the soil it offers less evaporative protection. 2 Mulch keeps the soil cooler since the soil stays moist longer. 3 Mulch offers a dry surface so stems do not lay on damp ground and rot. 4 Mulches provide soil conditioning as they slowly decay. Additional organics improve soil tilth, the structure of soil. Good tilth increases the free movement of air and water through the soil. 5 Mulch can suppress weed seed germination by blocking the seeds from sunlight if deep enough. A three-inch layer is recommended. 6 Mulch laid loosely on the soil surface absorbs the impact of heavy rain slowing compaction, it slows runoff and prevents erosion. 7 Mulch lessens splash onto plant stems so suppresses the spread of some diseases. 8 Mulch can be applied to supplement low mineral content. IE ground oyster shell/gravel mulch provides calcium. 9 Mulch can be decorative or unite a diverse planting scheme. 10 Mulch can provide warmer soil temperatures as red plastic placed around tomatoes does. Use a material that absorbs infrared radiation so the soil warms faster. Mulching material consequently needs to be selected for the specific purpose since one kind of mulch will not fulfill all functions. Mulching materials include inorganic gravel, or lava rock, plastic sheeting, and organics like bark, pine needles, dried grass clippings, nutshells, compost, and nearly anything else that lets water through and won't smell when it sits for a while.