How to Use Mulch Mats
A mulch mat is a manufactured sheeting used in gardens to keep down weeds, help the soil maintain moisture and prevent topsoil erosion. Mulch mats can come in recycled rubber form or in organic forms like pressed straw. The mats last longer than loose mulch and do not contain weed seeds. Installing mulch mats is a simple process that can make your gardening experience less high maintenance. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Use garden shears to cut the mulch mat to the size and shape you want for your garden. If you are installing the mat around existing plants or trees, cut a slit in the mat so you can wrap it around the base of the plant.
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Pull up any weeds in the area where you want to use the mulch mat. Use a shovel to remove any existing sod or weeds that will not come up by hand. Rake the soil smooth.
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Lay down the mulch mat over the prepared area, and wrap the slit around any existing plants or trees. Secure the mat by driving garden stakes through the matting and into the soil ever 1 to 2 feet. This will prevent the matting from coming up in a high wind.
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Tips & Warnings
Instead of metal garden stakes, you can use biodegradable stakes that will deteriorate along with the mat.
Avoid using black rubber mulch mats if you live in a hot climate. It can scorch the soil underneath.
