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Best mulch?

baytree1970R7WNg390baytree1970R7WNg390 Posts: 53
in Problem solving
I'm a novice - any suggestions for best way to mulch?

I used a thick layer of bark chips previously but took it off again as it seemed to have fused into a crust and the soil beneath seemed to be always too wet. But worth saying I also had a layer or gummy clay top soil under it at the time (now removed too) so maybe that was why the soil was sodden?

Anyway, I'm aware the standard advice is that mulch is a good thing so I'm just wondering what a sure fire method would be.

Grateful for any advice!

Posts

  • K67K67 Posts: 2,506
    edited April 2021
    In order of preference:

    Well rotted manure, bagged if no stables near by.
    Homemade compost.
    The above add life to the soil which bark chips don't but the blackbirds do like to throw it around. 
    Composted bark not bad, dug in better especially for clay soils.
    Spent compost from pots.
    Bagged multi purpose compost.
  • baytree1970R7WNg390baytree1970R7WNg390 Posts: 53
    This might be a daft question - but manure, does it stay smelly or is that just when its... er... fresh?
  • K67K67 Posts: 2,506
    No if it's smelly it hasn't rotted down enough and shouldn't be used as there is a risk of burning the roots of plants.
    Bagged manure has a slight smell on opening but soon disapates.
  • baytree1970R7WNg390baytree1970R7WNg390 Posts: 53
    Thanks, really appreciate the advice
  • baytree1970R7WNg390baytree1970R7WNg390 Posts: 53
    edited April 2021
    Is now a good time to be putting down mulch?
  • K67K67 Posts: 2,506
    I did mine last week which was more awkward as things had started to grow and you do need to keep a small space around the stems of plants.
    Because we have had such a dry spring check that your soil isn't dry. I had to water my beds first.
    If you don't fancy doing it now wait to the autumn. 
  • borgadrborgadr Posts: 718
    K67 said:
    In order of preference:

    Well rotted manure, bagged if no stables near by.
    Homemade compost.
    The above add life to the soil which bark chips don't but the blackbirds do like to throw it around. 
    Composted bark not bad, dug in better especially for clay soils.
    Spent compost from pots.
    Bagged multi purpose compost.
    @K67, where would you place leaf mould in that ranking?  Would you use it as a mulch at all or perhaps mix it in with something else?
  • K67K67 Posts: 2,506
    edited April 2021
    @borgadr Never thought of leaf mould!
    When we had trees and 2 years to get lovely stuff I used to dig it in over autumn/winter as it helped the clay soil I had but I never really got enough to mulch any large areas despite having 2 x 50ft+ lime trees.
    Where I am now I barely collect half a compost bag full.

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