Wet areas in a garden can be extremely problematic especially if you are doing permaculture, not a lot of plants will survive in these areas as most plants need to have their roots relatively dry. The biggest problem with wet areas is that you can simply not mulch the problem away, but you can make the drainage in the soil somewhat better. Usually, when you have wet areas in your garden it is mostly due to the soil, especially if you tend to have a lot of clay in the soil.
When it comes to mulching, organic materials have superior water absorption capabilities. Organic mulches such as grass clippings, green waste, leaves, straw, hay, bark, and wood are commonly used. These organic options act as large sponges, efficiently absorbing and retaining excess water. They gradually release this moisture back into the soil or surrounding air, providing a consistent and regulated water supply to plants. This water retention ability helps prevent soil erosion, conserves water resources, and promotes healthier plant growth.
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Before mulching an area that is wet you need to dig the soil up, usually a not draining soil tends to be compacted which doesn’t let water drain properly. By digging up or by tilling the soil you will allow the water to enter the soil a lot easier. Now this won’t fix the actual problem, the water will still be pooling but it will do it deeper in the ground where it can be better absorbed by the plants.
Once you have tilled the soil place a thick layer of mulch on it, ideally use a well-draining mulch like wood chips. In addition to this, it is also a good idea to plant plants that have relatively shallow roots in wet areas, this way their roots will not get waterlogged. It is a good idea to use mulch for flower beds, for more information check out my recent article Best Mulch For Flower Beds ( Top 9 Mulches ).
Best Mulch For Wet Areas
One of the best mulch options for wet areas is gravel or crushed stone. These materials allow water to flow freely through the mulch layer, preventing the accumulation of excess moisture around plants’ roots. Another excellent choice is cypress mulch, which is known for its water-resistant properties. Cypress mulch helps to maintain soil moisture balance while allowing excess water to drain away effectively.
Additionally, pine straw mulch is a suitable option as it promotes good airflow and allows water to percolate through easily. When using mulch in wet areas, it’s essential to apply a layer that is not too thick, allowing water to penetrate the soil properly.
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Wood Chips
One of the best mulches for wet areas is wood chips, as they tend to drain relatively fast although they do retain some moisture. Just make sure that you have dug up or tilled the soil in the wet areas before you use the mulch. Place the wood chip mulch around the plants in a 2-6 inch layer, in such a way that the mulch doesn’t touch the plants. You can also plant the plants in the mulch directly, this way the plant will be above the wet areas, and with a thick enough mulch, the water should drain right through the mulch. If you have a bug problem in your mulch then check out my recent article How To Get Rid Of Bugs In Mulch ( Fast & Easy ).
Decorative Pebbles
Decorative pebbles are excellent for mulching wet areas mostly because they do not retain water and the water can go right through the layer of pebbles. The problem with pebbles is that they are not an organic mulch. Till or dig up the wet area, and fill it up with decorative pebbles, the deeper the layer of pebbles is the lower the water will pool. Some plants can be grown in the pebbles directly, on the other hand, you can always mix the top layer of the pebbles with some compost and use plants that have shallow roots.
Plants that have shallow roots can be planted in wet areas, as long as you fix the drainage problem by digging or tilling deep enough.
Plastic Mulch
If the wet areas are mostly caused by a lot of rain then you can use plastic mulch to protect the soil. Plastic mulch doesn’t let water get through it, in addition to this the mulch will actually dry out the soil during hot summer days. Place the plastic mulch around your plants by simply making a hole in the fabric. Ideally, the plastic mulch should be placed at a slight angle, this way water will not pool on the plastic mulch.
If your soil is heavily eroded and this is the main reason why the area is constantly wet then you might want to place an organic mulch below the plastic mulch like grass clippings as these will feed your plants as they decompose.
Key Takeaways
- Pine straw or pine bark mulch: These types of mulch are effective in wet areas as they allow for better water drainage. They create a loose, airy layer that allows excess moisture to pass through and prevents water from pooling around plants. Pine straw or pine bark mulch also helps to maintain soil temperature and prevent erosion.
- Gravel or stone mulch is an excellent choice for wet areas as it allows water to drain quickly. It creates a permeable surface that allows water to flow through and away from the plants, reducing the risk of waterlogging. Gravel or stone mulch is also durable and long-lasting.
- Cedar mulch is known for its natural resistance to decay and its ability to repel insects. It can be beneficial in wet areas as it helps to maintain the moisture balance in the soil without retaining excess water. Cedar mulch also adds a pleasant aroma to the garden.
FAQ
Can you put mulch on top of wet soil?
It is generally not recommended to apply mulch on top of wet soil as it can trap moisture and lead to excessive dampness, which can promote fungal growth and root rot. It’s best to allow the soil to dry out before applying mulch.
What is the best mulch for retaining moisture?
Organic mulches such as wood chips, straw, or bark mulch are excellent for retaining moisture in the soil. They create a protective layer that helps prevent evaporation and keeps the soil consistently moist.
What mulch doesn’t hold moisture?
Inorganic mulches such as gravel or rocks do not hold moisture as effectively as organic mulches. These types of mulches allow water to pass through more easily, which can be beneficial in areas where moisture retention is not a priority.
What is the best fill for wet areas?
For wet areas, using materials like coarse sand or gravel can help improve drainage and prevent waterlogging. These materials allow water to drain more effectively and reduce the risk of water accumulation in the soil.
