Mulching a new garden bed with fine composted bark?

wemyssgarden · May 2023

Thinking about using this product to apply a thin layer over my new in-ground garden bed:
Melrose composted fine bark

I haven't planted anything in the bed yet, and gather it is usually best to mulch after planting, but I will be planting very gradually and want to approve the appearance of the bare soil. I have recently put a 50/50 mix of new compost and topsoil into the garden bed. I've read that mulching with bark depletes new soil and new plants from nitrogen so not sure if I should do this?

Thanks

Loxley · May 2023

The thing about bark affecting levels of nitrogen as it breaks down is overstated (the effect is actually minimal). In any case, you are using composted bark, so the process which technically might rob nitrogen has already occurred - you don't have to worry.

Pete.8 · May 2023

I used a huge amount of composted bark fines to break down the heavy clay in my front garden (as recommended by RHS for treatment of clay).
It worked wonders and I planted it up about 3 months later. The plants are thriving and the soil is far easier to work with.
It's great stuff to use as a clay-breaker or as a mulch.
The blackbirds don't make a big mess with it either is it's just tiny bits.

raisingirl · May 2023

Better to use a thick layer in a smaller area than spread it thinly, and now isn't a great time to be mulching because the soil is dry - if you need to do it now, water well first. But no issues with your choice of mulch.

Mulching a new garden bed with fine composted bark?

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