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When to mulch perennials?

Hi guys, 

In our school garden we have a variety of perennials such as Nepeta, Salvia, Agastache etc and I was wondering when to cut them back and mulch them? Also can anyone advise what mulch is best to use, please?

Thanks,

Justin

Posts

  • Hostafan1Hostafan1 Posts: 34,888

    Hi Justin,

    They'll tell you when they need cut back in Autumn. 

    Most people mulch in either Autumn or Spring, or both if they have enough compost.

    Mulching in Autumn helps hold in a bit of warmth in the soil and allows the worms to draw it down. 

    Mulching in Spring helps suppress weed seedling germinate.

    Devon.
  • If we mulched as much as books / programmes tell us to, wouldn't our beds end up way above surrounding ground?

  • Hostafan1Hostafan1 Posts: 34,888

    supernoodle, I raised the whole surface level of my last garden by about 10" in the 13 years I was there.

    The raised paths had to be relayed because they'd become sunken paths. 

    Devon.
  • LynLyn Posts: 23,190

    I do it in the Autumn as well, just compost I have made during the year, and like Verdun, when I plant out.

    Gardening on the wild, windy west side of Dartmoor. 

  • Do the plants move themselves up to the surface then, Hosta?

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