Week 3 · Soil

Cover the soil you depend on

Edible Landscapes

Mulch moderates temperature and moisture at the soil surface — where roots, fungi, and irrigation meet. Thin decorative chips will not protect a bed that radiates heat by mid afternoon. Aim for a continuous blanket: roughly five to eight centimetres of coarse material on open beds, topped up where wind and birds scatter it.

Mulch application

  1. Cover completely

    Patchy mulch creates a heat mosaic — bare spots become the weakest plants.

  2. Keep crowns clear

    Pull mulch back from soft stems and tree trunks to prevent collar rot.

  3. Water under the blanket

    Deep soaks less often; daily sprinkles on dry chips waste water.

  4. Renew what breaks down

    Ramial chip, straw, leaves — plan a local supply rather than endless bag purchases.

If you can see dark soil baking in full sun at two o’clock, you are already behind.

Edible Landscapes
Five to eight centimetres is a working range — adjust for wind exposure and crop type.

Paths matter too — bare compacted alleys radiate heat onto neighbouring beds. Wood chip paths, living ground cover, or light-coloured gravel reduce edge stress.