How Do I Know How “old” Mulch Is? When Do I Need To Do What Ranger_c Suggested?
I just moved into a new place with already-made flower beds. They are full of mulch but I don't know how old the mulch is. I have already weeded some and a lot of the mulch seems very fine, maybe it's just soil? I have read that you only want about 1-2 inches of mulch so i'm a little worried about adding more because the beds are already pretty high. Any suggestions?
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As the mulch breaks down it will become part of your soil. This is good because it greatly improves your soil, adds nutrients and more organic matter. Since you say that it’s very fine, I would say you are to the stage to add another couple of inches of mulch.
Not sure where you read that 1 – 2 inches was all you wanted in beds. I use more like 3 inches because I’m in Texas and need the heat and moisture barrier for my soil bed. You can judge by comparing the mulch to the plants in your bed. If the mulch is thick enough that it’s up to the lower leaves of plants in a way that would breed fungal infections then you could lower it a little. Of course, in spring with new plants in that would vary. What you want to compare the mulch height to is the grown plants during the heat of the summer. Be generous with your mulch and your plants will reward you for it.