With scorching temperatures threatening our gardens this summer, finding ways to keep plants hydrated is crucial. But, it can be exhausting and time-consuming to keep on top of watering. That's why pros rely on summer mulching.
Mulching refers to putting down a layer of organic material at the base of your plants. It locks in moisture, helps regulate soil temperature, and even suppresses weeds. In summer especially, it's a handy tool to protect plants in a heatwave with little effort.
The best part is you can use fallen leaves and compost from your own yard as mulch, so it doesn't have to cost a thing. Alternatively, you can purchase brown mulch from Lowe's for less than $5. Here, with insights from a garden expert, we explain how summer mulching can keep your garden safe over the next few months.
Why Put Down Mulch in Summer?
You may be more familiar with November mulching in preparation to protect plants from frost. During the coldest months, this layer of organic material provides insulation. But, it has dual purpose and also aids plant survival in the hottest conditions.
When there's a lack of rain and extreme heat during the summer months, mulch helps lock in moisture and keep soil cool. Alongside correctly watering plants in hot weather, this keeps symptoms of heat stress away.
'Having a layer of mulch on your soil creates a protective layer that helps retain the moisture-from-above by reducing evaporation,' explains gardening author and podcaster, Martha Retallick.
After deep watering your plants, this means you won't need to water so frequently again because the mulch is retaining moisture to keep roots hydrated.
'I also like mulch for soil temperature regulation. It acts like a cooling blanket that keeps the soil from heating up like an oven. In the summertime, that’s important. It also keeps the soil cool at night,' Martha adds.
This stops roots burning and becoming severely dehydrated, and it keeps soil in the ground for longer.
Mulching also suppresses weeds by smothering them and blocking light. This keeps your beds and borders neat, but also stops weeds stealing water and nutrients from your plants, reducing stress in hot weather.
Martha notes there's also a long-term benefit of summer mulching:
'It improves soil health as it breaks down. The mulch provides organic material that enriches the soil, enhances its structure, and its ability to retain moisture.'
This is especially true when you use mulching materials like pine bark (which you can find at Walmart), organic compost, and fallen leaves. As they break down, they put lots of essential plant nutrients into the soil and support plant growth.
How to Apply Summer Mulch
To use summer mulching properly, you first need to do some preparation.
Get rid of any weeds in the area and water the soil well. Installing a drip irrigation system (like this kit from Amazon) will ensure your plants have a good supply of water all summer.
Then, put down 2-3 inches of mulch around the base of your plant. Make sure to leave a two inch gap around the stems to ensure there is airflow and to stop excess moisture rotting the plant material.
When you then water your plants through summer, use a soil moisture meter (like this from Amazon) to monitor when the soil has dried out. You should then water deeply to ensure the moisture reaches the root zone.
What to Shop
Mulch mats are easy to install around tree trunks and plant stems. These ones are made of coco coir and measure 24 inches in diameter.
This brown mulch covers 2 cubic feet. It's ideal for protecting plants during a heatwave by locking in moisture.
This kit has everything you need to set up your own irrigation system. It has adjustable nozzles to customize to your watering perferences.
Use this soil moisture meter to monitor soil moisture and water plants accordingly. It will help you over and underwatering plants.
These tree watering bags slowly release water to keep tree roots hydrated in hot weather. They hold 20 gallons each.
This soaker hose is 50ft in length. It's porous material allows water to drip through and directly hydrate roots.
It isn't just mulching that will keep your garden healthy and happy in summer. You can also grow plants that cool a garden and tick off your summer gardening checklist.
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