I have a very specific two-step weeding protocol in my garden. It goes like this:
Wait until the weeds are out of control
Panic-weed.
It’s great! For the weeds.
So this week, I amended my protocol to include a mid-season mulching step that I had sort of neglected earlier this spring. Mulch is amazing stuff. As long as you do it right, it suppresses weeds, keeps moisture in and heat out, and builds soil. Although I don’t want to calculate the amount of hard-earned salary I have spent on mulch over the years, I feel like I have fallen off the mulch wagon this year.
So, for today, here is a link to a few dos and don’ts of mulch from the ageless Bob Vila, and some more info from Better Homes and Gardens.
And until I plant enough so that the weeds are crowded out and my flower beds look like the beautiful and inspirational natively-planted garden below, I will continue to spend some of my garden-time….mulching!