We Said It First... and Here's Why Mulching Matters

Last night's Times gardening article on surviving the current drought makes an interesting read because it reinforces one of the central messages running through our recent series of articles: healthy soil is the first line of defence against drought.

For months we've been encouraging gardeners to think less about emergency watering and more about improving the ground that holds that water in the first place.

Mulch has featured heavily in each of our recent articles because it performs several jobs at once. It shades the soil from direct sunlight, reduces evaporation, improves soil structure over time and helps roots cope with periods of prolonged heat. During winter it also provides valuable insulation against frost, making it one of the few gardening jobs that benefits the garden throughout the year.

Normally we'd recommend applying mulch during autumn or early spring, when rainfall can carry moisture down into the soil before warmer weather arrives. However, as The Times rightly points out, that doesn't mean it's too late to gain some benefit.

If you have a newly planted shrub, young tree or valuable specimen that's beginning to struggle, watering it thoroughly with a watering can before applying a layer of mulch around the root zone can significantly reduce further moisture loss. It isn't a miracle cure, but it can buy valuable time during prolonged dry spells.

Perhaps the wider lesson is the one we've been making throughout this exceptional summer. Drought doesn't usually create problems from nowhere; it exposes weaknesses that have been quietly developing over several years.

Gardens with healthy soil, deep root systems and regular long-term care have generally come through remarkably well. Those relying on frequent watering alone have often struggled.

If there's one positive to take from this extraordinary summer, it's that it has shown us where gardens need strengthening before the next hot, dry spell arrives. Preparing a garden is almost always easier—and considerably cheaper—than rescuing one afterwards.

Reference - https://www.thetimes.com/life-style/wildlife-nature/article/hosepipe-ban-plants-gardening-expert-guide-wvh3z2rcc