There are many garden mulch products on the market these days and it is important to select one that will complement your plants, provide some organic benefit to them, and add to the aesthetics of the area.
Another tip prior to ordering your mulch is to determine the quantity required. The easiest way to do this is to measure out your garden and calculate the m2 of the area. Multiply this amount by 0.1 of the depth of mulch you wish to apply (0.1 = 100mm depth). This simple step will ensure an accurate amount to order.
Mulch Volume Calculator
Formula
Mulch Volume (m³) = Area (m²) × Depth (m)
Area = 50 m² • Depth = 0.1 m (100 mm)
50 × 0.1 = 5 m³ mulch needed
Below is a list of benefits that can be obtained by mulching and some examples of mulches you can use.
Benefits of Mulch
- 100% environmentally friendly.
- Prevents up to 75% water loss due to evaporation.
- Suppresses and inhibits weed growth.
- Promotes stronger growth rates and improves yields.
- Improves the visual appeal of gardens and landscapes.
- Adds organic matter to soil.
- Encourages mircoorganisms.
- Improves worm populations.
- Improves air porosity and water movement through the soil.
- Provides organic nutrients.
- Reduces garden maintenance.
- Improves soil friability by allowing water and nutrients to penetrate to the root system.
- Helps improve pH balance.
- Reduces the watering requirements of gardens.
Types of Mulch
* 25mm Hoop Pine
Hoop pine has a rich brown curly appearance and is renowned for its ability to cling on to sloping terrain as bark particles twist and mat together. This mulch is unlikely to blow or wash away, but still allows air flow to the soil, as well as being excellent at water retention. It is long lasting, has good capacity to absorb and retain moisture, and is also extremely low maintenance. Hoop Pine’s light tan colour will work with most colour schemes and installation should be to a depth of 100mm.
This mulch is great under native trees and shrubs where leaves and bark fall often as it will blend into the mulch. Hoop pine does not breakdown very fast so it doesn’t add compost to the soil. It also does not compact quickly.
* 15mm and 25mm Slash Pine
Slash pine bark is one of the most popular landscaping materials and is noted for its natural tan colour, sweet pine aroma, low maintenance, and chunky appearance. It is easy to install due to its free flowing nature and installation depth should be 100mm.
Slash pine is an attractive decorative mulch, 15mm has a warm tan colour, whereas the 25mm Slash pine is more reddish-tan in appearance. This type of mulch helps to repress weeds and assist with moisture retention.
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How to Mulch Your Gardens FAQs
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Is mulching really necessary?
Yes. Mulching is one of the simplest ways to improve soil health and plant growth. It helps retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, suppress weeds, and add organic matter as it breaks down. Mulching also gives garden beds a neat, professional finish, making it both practical and visually beneficial.
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Is mulching good for all plants?
Mulching benefits most plants by keeping roots cool, reducing water stress, and improving soil. However, some plants, like succulents and desert species, prefer less moisture and may need lighter or gravel-based mulch. The key is choosing the right type of mulch for the specific plants and positioning it correctly, keeping it away from stems and trunks to avoid rot.
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What is the best time to apply mulch?
The ideal time to mulch is in spring and autumn. In spring, mulch locks in soil moisture before the summer heat, while in autumn it protects roots from winter cold. Mulching after rain or watering ensures the soil is moist before covering, which maximises its effectiveness in retaining water and promoting healthy plant growth.
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How long does mulch last?
Mulch typically lasts 6–12 months, depending on the type and weather conditions. Organic mulches like bark, straw, or compost break down faster and need topping up at least once a year, adding nutrients to the soil. Inorganic mulches like stones or gravel last longer but don’t improve soil health. Regular checks ensure your garden beds stay protected and attractive.
