Vegetable Garden Soils and Flower Beds– Garden beds use organic matter quickly because turning, fertilizing and watering increases soil microbe activity and the use of organic matter. Apply 1 inch deep of Premium Garden Mulch per year in the early spring or fall and work into the top six inches of soil. This will provide a natural form of slow release nutrients to support all around healthy growth. Always fertilize according to fertilizer directions, but you can reduce watering and fertilizing by about 1/3 from normal due to the improvement in water-holding capacity and minor levels of nutrients. While Premium Garden Mulch can be used as short-term mulch, it will allow windblown weed seeds to get a easy footing on the soil. Use coarse mulch on top to control weeds. Shrubs and Trees – Once every 3 years, rake back any surface mulch, and place 2 inches deep of compost from the drip line to within 6 inches of the trunk of each shrub and tree, cover with at least 2 inches of a coarse bark or wood chip. This will allow the compost to feed the trees and shrubs the way they prefer, from the top down, while allowing the mulch to reduce windblown weeds and keep soils cool and moist. Lawns – Turf makes much of its own organic matter, however to rejuvenate a tired lawn, plug aerate and rake in a mix of 50% sandy loam and 50% Premium Garden Mulch. Water will percolate deeper, and grasses will grow back in, denser and healthier.