How to mulch garden beds the right way
Proper mulching cuts bed water use 20-30% and blocks most weed germination. Doing it wrong invites rot and pests.
What you'll learn
- Correct depth (3 inches — not more, not less)
- Mulch volcano mistake (why it kills trees)
- When weed fabric helps vs. when it hurts
- Bark vs. gravel vs. decomposed granite — when to use each
Step by step
- Pull all visible weeds to bare soil.
- For pathway / non-living areas: lay weed fabric. For living beds: skip the fabric.
- Spread mulch 3 inches deep across the bed.
- Keep mulch 2 inches off the base of any plant stem or tree trunk (no mulch volcanoes).
- Water lightly to settle and lock in the new layer.
Safety note
Rubber mulch heats up dangerously in SD sun and leaches chemicals — avoid it near edibles. Dyed mulch fades fast in our UV. Natural shredded bark holds up best.
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