How Much Mulch Does Your Garden Need This Autumn?
Mulching in autumn is one of the best things you can do for your garden. It protects your soil over winter, suppresses weeds, retains moisture and adds nutrients — but how much do you actually need? Here's our simple guide to getting it right.
Why Mulch in Autumn?
Autumn mulching gives your soil a protective blanket before the cold sets in. As the mulch breaks down over winter, it feeds the soil with organic matter, improves structure and encourages the worm activity that keeps your garden healthy. By spring, your beds will be ready to go with minimal effort.
How Much Mulch Do You Need?
As a general rule, aim for a layer of around 3 to 4 inches (7–10cm) of well-rotted horse manure across your beds and borders. Here's a quick guide based on area:
- Small border (5m²): approximately 0.5 cubic metres
- Medium garden (20m²): approximately 2 cubic metres
- Large garden (50m²): approximately 5 cubic metres
If in doubt, it's always better to order a little more than you think you need — any leftover can be used to top up pots, raised beds or vegetable patches.
What Type of Mulch Should You Use?
Not all mulches are equal. Puckamuck well-rotted horse manure is ideal for autumn mulching because it is:
- Fully composted and safe to use directly on beds and borders
- Rich in nutrients that slowly release over winter
- Great for improving both sandy and clay soils
- Kind to plants, roots and established shrubs
How to Apply Your Mulch
Clear away any dead plant material first, then spread your Puckamuck mulch generously across the surface. Keep it a few centimetres away from the base of shrubs and trees to prevent rot. You don't need to dig it in — simply let nature do the rest over winter.
Order Your Autumn Mulch Today
Don't leave it too late in the season. Order your Puckamuck well-rotted horse manure now and get your garden ready for a brilliant spring.