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Planning a garden bed? Proper mulching is the key to keeping your garden healthy and thriving. With the right amount of mulch, you can control weeds, retain soil moisture, and boost plant health—all without overspending. Here's how to calculate exactly what you need.
When planning a garden bed, using the right amount of mulch is essential. Too little mulch won't control weeds effectively or retain soil moisture, while too much can suffocate plant roots. Calculating precisely ensures an even layer, saving time and costs by preventing waste.
To calculate the mulch needed for a garden bed, first measure the area (length x width) to get the total square footage. Then, decide on the desired mulch depth—generally, 2 to 4 inches is recommended for garden beds. Multiply the area by the depth to determine the total volume needed in cubic feet.
Volume (cubic feet or meters) = Area (square feet or meters) x Depth (feet or meters)
Tip: Convert depth from inches to feet (e.g., 3 inches = 0.25 feet) before using the formula.
For a 100-square-foot garden bed with a 3-inch layer of mulch:
To get cubic yards, divide by 27 (1 cubic yard = 27 cubic feet).
Total mulch needed: approximately 0.93 cubic yards or 0.71 cubic meters.
You'll want to watch out for these common mistakes:
Need help calculating or sourcing the right mulch? Hamilton Builders' Supply has a wide selection of mulch options and expert advice to ensure your garden bed gets the best start. Contact us or visit a location near you to get started!
