Can You Apply Fertilizer Over Mulch? Here’s How

Fertilizer and mulch are both commonly used in the lawn care industry, but have you ever thought about combining them? Many people know that fertilizer can enrich the soil with nutrients, while mulch controls the temperature and promotes better drainage.

You can apply fertilizer over mulch if you move the mulch to the side, add the fertilizer, and push the mulch over the top again. It’s important that the mulch sits on top of the fertilizer since it needs to be the first line of defense against bugs, heat, and excess moisture.

Throughout this article, you’ll also learn the following info about applying fertilizer over mulch:

• Two useful methods to make it happen easily
• The benefits of using mulch and fertilizer together
• Comparing granular and liquid fertilizer for usage with mulch

Pro Tip: Mulch and fertilizer contain vital nutrients to help your lawn, garden, and trees thrive. If you want to take your landscaping to the next level, check out the best lawn fertilizer on Amazon.com now.

How to Apply Fertilizer Over Mulch

Fertilizer can be added to soil that has already been mulched.

There are two methods in which this can be achieved; removing the mulch and adding fertilizer with the mulch still on.

Either of the chosen techniques depends on the size of the garden you want to add fertilizer or the time needed to add fertilizer to the soil that has already been mulched. The proper amount of fertilizer is paramount when adding it to the soil to avoid doing more harm than good to the soil.

Oh, and don’t worry, many plants can grow through mulch.

To ensure what fertilizer is to be added, a soil test can determine the soil’s nutrients.

Method 1- Removing the Mulch

This method entails removing much of the mulch from your garden surrounding the crops and setting it aside.

Once you have removed the mulch, you can add fertilizer directly into the soil in the appropriate ratio.

Lastly, you replace the set-aside mulch into the garden and add water to soak the soil’s fertilizer. Ensure the mulch is evenly distributed, and if need be, you can add some new mulch to the soil you pulled off earlier.

Method 2 – Add Fertilizer with Mulch Still On

This method involves adding the fertilizer while the mulch is still on the soil. You achieve this by slightly pushing aside the mulch around the plants, and by using your fingers, you can dig small holes in the soil near the roots of the plants and apply fertilizer. Cover the area with mulch and apply some water to soak in the fertilizer.

Don’t have a hose to hydrate the soil? Click here for more info.

Should You Use Liquid or Granular Fertilizer for Mulch?

Garden Myths points out that there’s always been a debate between granular and liquid fertilizer.

Granular Fertilizer

Whenever nutrients are applied to the soil in fertilizers or mulch, many people can’t tell if either liquid or granular fertilizers supply it better. Granular fertilizers are, in essence, dry fertilizers that have been turned into solid granules.

Examples include manure, store-bought granules, and compost. Blends of this fertilizer can be created by blending individual granular fertilizers in the proper ratio to achieve the desired mix.

They can be applied to the ground in different ways, including:

• Through broadcasting
• Using as a side-dress
• Planting it together as a band with crops.
• Granular fertilizers are usually cultivated shallowly into the ground.

Liquid Fertilizer

Liquid fertilizers are much more common since they’re easier to use, and they absorb into the ground much quicker.

Examples of liquid fertilizer include kelp fertilizer and store-bought liquid solutions. They can be applied directly on the ground without diluting, though some companies recommend dilution (see the container prior to using any fertilizer).

Foliar application is when the fertilizer is applied onto the plants’ leaves, and the plants then take in nutrients through the roots, stems, and leaves alike.

Liquid fertilizer can also be broadcasted, used as a side-dress, or sprayed on the roots with a bottle.

Foliar applied fertilizer is unfortunately short-lived as it’s not consistent throughout the growing season compared to the ground-used fertilizer. They are usually best used to supplement the soil-applied fertilizers or correct anomalies in the mid-season as the plants are growing.

However, there is not much difference in the total specified nutrient application uptake of fertilizers by plants, whether supplied in liquid or granular.

The only differences that arise may be factors like the salt content in the soil, the distance between the plant roots and fertilizer nutrients, and the consistency of nutrient content supplied by either granular or liquid fertilizers. The advantages of using granular and liquid fertilizers include:

1. Liquid fertilizers are easy to blend, and there’s uniformity in its application.
2. They are both easy to apply in the garden and on your lawn.
3. Granular fertilizers are cheaper when bought in bulk
4. Both can be blended with other crop products
5. Both can be used in the beginning or mid-season

Why Is Mulch a Good Fertilizer On Its Own?

Mulch is made of layers of materials that are usually spread and applied around the soil’s surface. There are different reasons why people mulch. Mulching, especially organic materials, when applied to the soil, typically works the same way as fertilizer does.

Mulch is a good fertilizer on its own because of the following reasons:

Conserves moisture in the soil – Mulching prevents moisture loss in the soil as it impedes evaporation, especially during a hot season when plants consume a lot of water. 

Puts nutrients back into the soil – When the organic materials are used for mulching decompose, they feed nutrients into the soil, which is typically what every fertilizer does. It increases soil fertility and overall soil health.

According to Task Easy, the soil’s nutrients through mulching are composed of nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorous. Rain also aids to soak in the nutrients from the mulch into the soil. In the right ratio and when done correctly, it serves as a good fertilizer.

Prevents soil erosion – The layer of mulch applied to the soil prevents soil erosion caused by heavy rainfall and winds. The top fertile soil is protected, and it remains intact.

Regulates soil temperature – During hot conditions, it keeps the soil and the plants cooler, and during cold nights it keeps the plants warmer. In this way, it helps maintain the optimum temperature that sustains the plant life and growth as it conserves the soil moisture and coolness. Gardening Know How dives into the helpful nature of mulch during cold months of the year.

Prevents weed growth – Mulching prevents the growth of weeds as sunlight doesn’t easily or readily get into the ground to aid in the growth of weeds. In short, mulch helps in weed control.

Repels pests – Some mulch types are useful in controlling pests that destroy crops. Mulch comprising of cedar, cypress, or pinewood chips repel ticks, gnats, and fleas.

Prevents leaf fungus and fruit rot – Mulching stops mud from splash on leaves when it rains, preventing leaf fungus. Fruit rot is avoided because mulching doesn’t allow the fruit to come into contact with the soil and leaves, especially in plants like tomatoes, melons, or cucumbers

Are you trying to choose between soil conditioner and compost?

Final Thoughts

Using fertilizer and mulch in tandem can control the moisture and temperature of your lawn or garden while also providing optimal nutrition. The combination is one of the best options for people who want to kickstart a new landscaping project or bring life to an existing one.

Here’s a quick rundown of the post:

• You can use liquid or granular fertilizer with mulch.
• Make sure that there’s enough space for the plants to get sunlight and moisture.
• Mulch and fertilizer used together can limit local weed growth.
• Apply fertilizer underneath mulch for the best results.
• There are countless benefits of both substances.