Organic material mulches, when correctly used, can greatly add to the health and vigor of vegetables and other plants by suppressing weeds, conserving soil moisture, limiting erosion and regulating soil temperature. One organic material used as mulch is shredded or chipped cedar, which is valuable for its durability, attractive look, odor and ability to repel some insects. Correctly applying cedar mulch around vegetables maximizes its advantages and avoids accidentally harming the plants.
Spread cedar mulch out freely around vegetable plants and between rows. Create a uniform layer of mulch no more than 2 to 3 inches deep.
Pull the cedar mulch back 6 inches from the stems of any vegetable plant, as mulch in contact with vegetable plant stems can trap moisture against the plant and leave it vulnerable to rot. Furthermore, pull cedar mulch back in any places where you will nonetheless plant seeds or where sown seeds have to germinate and emerge, as a mulch layer can prevent germination or seedling emergence.
Fluff up or flip the cedar mulch layer when it looks compacted or faded during the growing season.
Rake the cedar mulch from the soil surface as soon as you have completed harvesting annual vegetable plants and before you cultivate the ground. Re-implement the mulch temporarily to maintain the soil surface insured, if desired, or wait until after you plant the next crop of annual vegetables. Catch cedar mulch around repeated vegetables like asparagus and rhubarb.
Loosen and replenish the cedar mulch around perennial vegetables as required year to keep up a loose 2- to 3-inch layer of mulch.