Mulch garden beds

Short answer

Each spring, pull weeds from garden beds and spread 2-3 inches of fresh mulch, keeping it a few inches away from tree trunks and plant stems.

Priority: Low
Difficulty: DIY
Time: 1 hr
How often: Once a year
Season: Spring

Why It Matters

A 2-3 inch mulch layer holds moisture, blocks weeds, regulates soil temperature, and slowly enriches the soil.

Tools

Wheelbarrow or garden cart
Garden rake or hoe
Gloves

Materials

Mulch (hardwood, cedar, or pine)

How to Do It

Pull all visible weeds from the bed, including roots where possible.
Load mulch into a wheelbarrow for easy transport to the bed.
Spread mulch evenly across the bed to a depth of 2-3 inches.
Keep mulch a few inches back from tree trunks and plant stems to prevent rot.

Aerate and overseed lawn Once a year
Apply perimeter pest repellent Once a year
Clear debris from yard Once a year
Fertilize lawn Once a year
Rake and remove fall yard debris Once a year

Part Of

Last updated 23 September 2026

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