5 Ways to Use Your Leftover Mulch
Finished spreading this season’s mulch but still have some to spare? Look at that leftover pile as a golden opportunity! Mulch is good for more than just flower beds, so before you add another layer around your roses, consider using the extra in a new kind of way.
- Upgrade Your Mailbox Landscaping
A small wheelbarrow-load of mulch is probably all you’ll need to give your mailbox post a fresh upgrade. While you’re at it, why not transplant a couple of hostas or flowers? They’ll add more color at the end of your driveway, and the fresh mulch is sure to help them flourish!
- Donate to the Neighbors
If you’re one of those people who finished mulching early on your block, you can always deliver a small load to one of your neighbors. Everyone likes a free gift, and they’ll definitely appreciate the gesture—even if you’re too tired yourself to help them spread it.
- Make a Mini Mulch Path
Just because your front yard is looking sharp, it doesn’t mean you can forget about the back! Once all of your trees and landscaping have their mulch, try adding wood mulch around your raised-bed gardens. A layer of three or four inches will help define the space between the garden boxes and create a nice pathway for you to reach your veggies.
- Spread it as “Killing Mulch”
For those especially hardy, out-of-control plants, mulch might be your secret weapon. Whether you’ve been battling an army of ivy for years or a patch of running bamboo, extra mulch can help finish the job. Simply cut back as much of the plant as you can, and then bury it deep under a mulch avalanche. A foot or two of “killing mulch” works to smother even the toughest of weeds.
- Keep the Extra for Next Year
You can always store your leftovers for later in the season if you’re ready to call it quits for now. All you need are a couple of tarps and an inconspicuous place to hide the pile. Spread your mulch evenly over the first tarp so the airflow can prevent any mold growth. Then just anchor the other tarp on top to act as a roof. You’ll be able to dig back in when the time is right. And if you happen to see any thin, white strands in the mulch, later on, fear not—it’s probably mycelia, a kind of fungal spore that’s actually good for plants.
With these tricks up your sleeves, you’ll be able to make the most of your mulch pile every year. There are plenty of ways to utilize your extra mulch, so get creative and have fun with your landscaping. Even small projects can make a big impact!
