Mulching is a simple method to protect and improve the soil in an area using organic materials, making it more conducive to planting.  Mulching is a very environmentally-friendly activity. When you notice that your surface soil is getting dry, hardened and worn out, it is time to know how to make a mulch bed on that certain area.  You can make a mulch bed yourself and these are the simple procedures to follow:

1. Identify or define the area that needs mulching.  A big mulch bed is better than several small ones.  The area you intend to mulch should look devastated from nutrients, eroded, compacted or it is the area where you want to plant.  Even areas under a tree are ideal for a mulch bed.

2. Define the trench edge and you can layer newspaper or brown cardboard over the side of the bed area. This will smother the majority of whatever is growing there.  What is left growing will be too weak and can easily be pulled out or cut off.  You can also mark this with flour or with whatever is available for marking. There is really no need to buy anything, just utilize whatever is available.

3. Water the area for mulching thoroughly.  The water should penetrate about six to eight inches deep down into the soil. Pile a two to four inch layer of organic mulch, which will include leaves you rake from the yard, wood chips, grass clippings, pine straw, coffee grounds, twigs, spent flowers, fruit and vegetable peels, overripe fruits and vegetables or whatever you can gather that will not rot.  Build up the layers in a lasagna-like fashion or just mix it all together.  In case you need more malt, your neighboring yard owners may simply leave their organic materials in sack bags for disposal.  Putting this to good use is recommended.

4. If you intend to plant on your mulch bed, keep the mulch well away from the bases of the new planting.  You can start planting right away and we recommend that you include manure on the soil for added nutrients for the new plant. Inspect from time to time for any movement of your layered mulch to make sure it does not reach or cover the new plants.  Water the plants as needed but the mulch alone on the nearby area can keep the soil from drying.

5. Keep the mulch bed moist and add mulch from time to time as needed.  As the mulch break down, it enriches the soil by releasing nutrients that plants can use.  Enriched soil is usually fluffier and more porous. Just like a sponge it soaks up excess water easily. This kind of soil can grow healthier plants.  Flowering plants can definitely flourish, making your yard a site to behold.

How to make a mulch bed as described above is very easy and no maintenance is needed. It is recommended for you to check on it from time to time.  Mulching will make the soil on the defined area moist. Soil temperature is stabilized and weed growth is suppressed.  It also prevents soil erosion, soil compaction and provides your plants with a better place to live.  In addition, it also helps to reduce storm water runoff and makes the soil absorb more water.  This will take out the necessity of having to dig on your garden and allow you to save cost of labor and fertilizer that is commercially available.  Going organic is highly recommended nowadays to be more environmentally friendly.