Mulch doing more harm than good?

David.lifedrawing · September 2020

My plants aren't happy. Some are dead, a few dying, some just not flourishing. I'm wondering if the 2 inch layer of bark mulch I put down is causing the soil to be too wet and drowning the roots. (I removed a couple today to put in pots and the roots were dark and just crumbling away). The top soil was really dry and friable when it went down, but now if I pull the mulch back the soil is obviously very damp and claggy. I should also mention that I made a mistake by adding too many growmore granules around the plants in the summer and that had a big impact. I guess they're still recovering. But still, claggy soil needs the mulch removing so it can dry and air, no?

Grateful for any advice.

AnniD · September 2020

Personally, l would remove the mulch and lightly fork over the soil to let light and air in. I find that bulk mulches tend to get very damp and can cause real problems if right up against the plants.

David.lifedrawing · September 2020

Compost or manure is a better choice than bark maybe?

AnniD · September 2020

I would say yes

Lyn · September 2020

Growmore will burn the roots, so you could be right, depending on what plants they were, they may have not needed any artificial fertiliser.

Fairygirl · September 2020

Depends on the type of plants you have - bark is good fro shrubs, not so great for perennials, especially small ones. You have to look at how mulches work, and how they affect what you're growing. For example, Salvias on a light sandy soil wouldn't appreciate bark at all, whereas a Hydrangea in cool damp conditions would love it.

Too much of that Growmore stuff is lethal.

Mulch doing more harm than good?

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