As the growing season winds down, perennials in the border benefit greatly from a layer of mulch spread around their base, ideally applied before autumn properly sets in rather than after the first cold snap has already arrived. This timing gives the mulch a chance to settle before it is really needed.
Spreading mulch at the right moment
Clear away any dead foliage, faded flowers and fallen debris from around each plant first, so the mulch goes directly onto clean soil rather than trapping old plant material underneath. This also makes it easier to spot any problems with the plant before the mulch is applied.
Spread a generous but not excessive layer of mulch around the base of each perennial, taking care to leave a small gap directly around the stems themselves. Piling mulch right against the stems can trap moisture there and encourage rot over the coming months.
Choose a moment when the soil is already reasonably moist, rather than bone dry, since mulch applied over dry soil can sometimes prevent rain from reaching the roots effectively afterwards. A light watering beforehand can help if the soil has dried out.
Level the mulch evenly across the bed, rather than leaving it in thick, uneven clumps, so that every plant benefits similarly from the protection it offers. An even layer also looks considerably tidier through the coming autumn months.
Choose a mulch material that suits the rest of the border, whether that is composted bark, leaf mould, or another loose organic material, rather than whatever happens to be nearest to hand. A material that matches the existing planting style also tends to look considerably tidier once it has settled.
Applied at the right time, mulch helps steady soil temperature and moisture around the roots just as the weather starts to turn properly colder. This simple, once-a-season task makes a noticeable difference to how well perennials come through the following months.
