Mulch around plants

Mulching plants with garden compost or well-rotted manure helps keep your garden soil in good condition. The organic matter will retain moisture through the summer and supply some nutrients. Worms will also pull it down into the soil, helping to improve the structure of heavy clay or light, sandy soils. In many cases it will also reduce weed growth, as long as the mulch you’re using doesn’t contain weed seeds or roots! As the soil starts to warm up, apply 5cm (2in) of mulch onto weed-free soil around shrubs and perennials.