Spring Mulching Tips

Episode Transcript

Hey there, fellow gardeners! Welcome back to the Keep Growing Podcast, coming to you from the cozy greenhouse at Bob’s Market & Greenhouses right here in the beautiful Mid-Ohio Valley. 

I’m John Morgan, your slightly muddy, always-enthusiastic host, and I gotta tell ya… after weeks of that deep freeze that had us all bundled up like human burritos, it finally feels like Mother Nature hit the “thaw” button. So grab your favorite mug of coffee (or tea if you’re fancy), put your feet up, and let’s talk about the very first thing we should be doing outside right now: clearing and mulching those flowerbeds the smart way.

Here’s the deal: The weeds haven’t woken up yet, but they’re stretching and yawning under there. If you mulch NOW – like, this weekend if the ground isn’t soup – you’re basically telling those weeds, “Sorry, the party’s already full and you’re not on the list.” A nice 2- to 3-inch layer of good organic mulch is your secret weapon. It keeps moisture in, keeps the soil happy, and makes your beds look like you hired a professional… even if you’re still in your pajamas.

But here’s where we don’t want to be “overly generous” with that mulch: 

Watch out for those early-rising bulbs – daffodils, crocus, those brave little snowdrops that are already poking their heads up like they’re saying “Surprise, we survived!” Don’t bury them. They’ll pop right through a thin layer, but a thick blanket of mulch is like tucking them in for another six months of sleep they definitely don’t want. Clear around them gently, give ’em some breathing room, and let those cheerful yellow and purple faces be the first smile of spring.

Now, a quick public-service announcement with a side of humor: whatever you do, do NOT pile fresh wood mulch right up against your house, shed, or deck. Termites read the mulch ads too, y’all! They see that nice warm, moist wood layer and think, “Free all-you-can-eat buffet with a side of structural damage!” If you absolutely need mulch near a structure, switch to stone, rubber, or plastic mulch instead. Your foundation will thank you, and so will your wallet when you’re not calling the exterminator in July.

And one more tip from your friendly neighborhood gardener who’s made every mistake so you don’t have to: skip the weed cloth. I know, I know – the package says “no weeds forever!” But in my experience it turns into a hot mess faster than my attempt at baking cookies. It rips, weeds grow on top of it, and when you finally try to pull it up… well, let’s just say it’s more drama than a soap opera. 

Instead, grab some plain cardboard (old boxes from the jungle website work great). Lay it flat, give it a quick drink of water so it softens, then top it with your mulch. It blocks light like a champ, breaks down naturally, and actually feeds your soil as it decomposes. Mother Nature’s own weed barrier – and it’s basically free!

After weeks in the deep freeze, we’ve finally thawed out – hallelujah! But the ground is still a little soggy in spots, especially in those low areas we all have. Do yourself (and your soil) a favor: stay off the muddy beds for a few more days. Walking on wet soil is like giving it a permanent bad perm – it compacts, turns hard as concrete, and your poor plants will be trying to grow through it like it’s a brick wall. Stick to the paths, the raised beds, or just wave at your garden from the porch with a cup of coffee. It’ll be ready when it’s ready.

Gardening season is just around the corner, my friends, and I cannot wait! Starting in March we’re back to weekly episodes dropping bright and early at 8 a.m. every Saturday morning – fresh garden tasks for the week plus my best guess at what the weather’s actually going to do (because let’s be honest, the forecast changes more than my mind about what to plant).

So mark your calendars, tell your garden buddies, and let’s keep growing.