Last year, I added about an inch of mulch to two flowerbeds to help control weeds. Now that it's been a year, I'm wondering how best to prepare the soil for this season. Should I rake off the old mulch, turn over the soil, and then replace the mulch? I feel like it's still too early to mix it into the soil just yet.
3 Answers
Instead of raking off the old mulch, I'd suggest just adding a fresh layer on top. Raking can bring weed seeds to the surface and increase their chances of germinating. The decay rate of last year's mulch can vary, but usually, it doesn’t break down completely in just a year unless your soil is super healthy and full of life.
It really depends on the type of mulch you used. If it's primarily bark, you might want to remove it and mix in some fertilizer with the soil underneath before reapplying it. Bark can lack nutrients and may start to mold in wet conditions, so it's good to check that out.
I've found that sprinkling PREEN on top of the mulch every few months really helps with weed germination. I usually add more mulch each year without turning the soil. Just clear spaces where you're going to plant, move the mulch aside, and then return it afterwards. This method has worked great for me over the years.