How to Add Mulch to Perennial Flowers

Adding mulch to perennial flowers is very beneficial. Mulch will alter the temperature of the soil (hold on to heat in cold weather and keep soil cool in hotter temperatures), manage weeds (through blocking the available sunlight), hold water (slows evaporation of it), ward off insects, control erosion (shield soil from the rain), and can insert organic matter into the soil around your perennial flowers. All of these are especially essential to your perennial flowers. If you are planning to add mulch, but do not know how; read the following steps to easily learn how to add mulch to your perennial flowers

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Perennial Flowers
• Mulch
• Gloves
• Shovel
• Rake

1. Decide on what type of mulch you desire. You will find there are several various types of mulch available on the market today. Each one has its own benefits and cost. The following are a listing of them: Organic mulches include compost, lawn clippings, sawdust, wood shavings or chips, bark, hay, pine needles, manure, shredded paper or newspaper. Inorganic mulches consist of recycled rubber, plastic, stone, rock, brick and landscape fabrics. You will also have different mulches depending on your specific location such as pine, cypress, eucalyptus, cottonseed, salt marsh hay, peanut and pecan shells, rice and cocoa hulls, ground corncobs and others. You should research the mulches you are interested in a pick the one that is best for your perennial flowers.

2. Buy the right amount of mulch. It is important to have the correct quantity of mulch for your perennial flowers. There is a handy “Mulch Calculator” provided by Lowe’s in the Resources below. You should have between 1 to 3 inches of mulch on your perennial flowers. Once you know the amount needed, purchase your mulch.

3. Add mulch to your perennial flowers. When you are adding mulch make sure you keep it away from the stems of the perennials. You should always leave a small area clear around the base of the perennials. Use a shovel to put the mulch down and a rake (and your hands) to distribute the mulch evenly.

Tips & Warnings

• You should check your perennial flowers' mulch periodically and add to it or use a rake to redistribute it as it breaks down.
• You can find a lot of information about mulch from your local nurseries, garden centers, landscapers, and library or on the Internet as well.

Resources

• Lowe’s Home Mulch Calculator