A Guide to Using Mulch & Decorative Ground Coverings

When it comes to landscaping, choosing the right materials for your garden can make all the difference. Mulch and decorative ground coverings not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of your outdoor space, but also serve practical purposes. This guide will provide a detailed introduction to using mulch, including the different types and some useful application tips. We’ll also explore several alternative ground coverings and the benefits that each one offers.

What is mulch and why should you use it?

Garden mulch is a material designed to be spread over the surface of your soil to improve the conditions for plant growth. It does this by insulating the soil, reducing evaporation to conserve moisture for longer and by suppressing weeds. Organic mulches like compost and bark chips also break also down over time and deposit additional nutrients. Meanwhile, inorganic options such as gravel and landscaping fabric are longer-lasting but don’t offer any enrichment. With that said, gravel is great for drainage and weed control, and it’s also aesthetically pleasing too.

How to mulch your planters & borders for best results

If you’ve never tried mulching before and you’re not sure where to start, here are some key things to bear in mind:

• The best time to apply garden mulch is in the spring once the ground has thawed. It can then be applied again in the autumn to insulate the soil before the winter months.

• Apply your mulch over weed-free soil in a 5cm (2 inch) layer. This is just enough to provide the above benefits, without risking shallow roots that can’t withstand droughts.

• Once you start mulching your garden, don’t interfere with it. Stripping your soil of its mulch layer can cause it to dry out and even injure plant roots beneath the surface.

• Always keep your mulch at least a couple of inches away from tree trunks and other woody plant and shrub stems. The reason for this is that moisture-retaining mulches can lead to bark rot and insect problems if pressed directly up against the surface.

• Choose your mulch based on where you’re going to apply it. For instance, denser bark mulches are best for areas where not much digging takes place. Whereas straw mulch and lighter composts are easier to negotiate when replanting vegetables, for example.

You should also check that any organic mulch you use is suited to your chosen plants. For instance, roses and vegetable patches thrive in soil nourished with manure-based mulches. However, ericaceous plants don’t pair well with them due to the lime content.

Biodegradable garden mulch options

Seeking out the best mulch for flower beds and herbaceous borders? Here are three of the best biodegradable (and affordable) options to enhance your soil’s condition and structure.

AWBS Mushroom Compost

A byproduct of the industrial mushroom-growing process, our own-brand AWBS Mushroom Compost is ideal for both mulching and planting. Containing horse and poultry manure with wheat straw for added density, this organic mulch improves both soil structure and condition. Better yet, it is sterilised with steam to make sure there are no pests or diseases that could inhibit plant growth. As a result, this type of garden mulch is ideal for beds and veg patches.

Westland Gro-Sure Farmyard Manure

Providing a rich source of nutrients, Westland Gro-Sure Farmyard Manure serves a variety of purposes. From enriching herbaceous borders to generating more crops and boosting flower growth (especially roses!), manure is a great fertiliser. Additionally, when used for mulching, this top layer helps to retain soil moisture and protect plant roots in harsh weather conditions.

AWBS Value Cover Mulch Bulk Bag

Looking for an affordable alternative to bark mulch? Though not quite as visually appealing, our recycled our Value Cover Mulch offers many advantages. It is essentially a textured compost designed to supress weeds and better your soil’s condition over time. The woody elements add bulk to its structure to aid drainage and ensure the product rots down more slowly. As such, you can enjoy the benefits of this biodegradable garden mulch for longer.

Decorative mulches and ground coverings

If aesthetics are the priority in your garden, we also stock a variety of decorative bagged mulch options. Not to mention various types of gravel and stone chippings.

AWBS Pine Bark Nuggets Bulk Bag

Give your borders a facelift with our sustainably sourced AWBS Pine Bark Nuggets. Featuring a mix of attractive reddish-brown tones, this classic bark mulch is ideal for many applications. Use in flower beds to reduce weed growth, conserve water and insulate plant roots in frosty conditions. And thanks to its chunky consistency, this garden mulch will stand the test of time. Layer it over paths or areas that your kid’s play on regularly to slow erosion and grass wear.

Melcourt Ornamental Spruce

Seeking a darker ground covering to create a sophisticated look? Then Melcourt Ornamental Spruce could be the best mulch for your garden. In fact, this conifer bark mulch is as stylish as it is functional. Spread in planters and window boxes to lock in moisture and minimise the need for watering. As a fire-resistant product, you can also safely use it to tidy up borders close to buildings and public pathways. Better still, its naturally acidic makeup makes it ideal for feeding azaleas, magnolias and ferns, while deterring pests and weeds at the same time.

Gravel of all shapes, sizes and colours

Want long-lasting results without having to do regular mulching? Then non-biodegradable decorative gravel is likely your best bet. Our vast range includes everything from flint shingle and slate chippings to polished pebbles, granite chips and rose quartz gravel. And each one is available in multiple shades, such as buff, green, black and grey, to complement your home.

Whichever you choose, you’ll experience less moisture evaporation during dry periods and a lower risk of waterlogging in wet weather. Use in conjunction with weed control fabric for a low-maintenance alternative to traditional garden mulch that will look great for years to come. And you can also apply the gravel to your paths and driveway for a cohesive, durable finish.

Need some inspiration? Discover more reasons to choose decorative gravel on our blog.

Enjoy free local delivery on your chosen garden mulch

Ready to try out one of our garden mulches this autumn? Whether you choose growth-boosting mushroom compost, chic bark mulch or elegant gravel, we offer free delivery across the local area. This includes any address within 25 miles of our Oxford, Swindon and Yarnton branches, with no minimum order value. Check your eligibility using our online postcode tool.

For decorative gravels, you’ll typically have a choice of small 23kg bags or bulk bags (850kg) to suit your needs. We have many different styles on display in store so that you view them in person before buying. And as we bag many of our own aggregates, we can also supply half bulk bags (450kg) upon request. These can be delivered or collected from your nearest store.