For instance, what the heck is mulch? I'm sure you've heard about mulch before, probably right here in this column. Mulch can be anything from compost, organic matter, redwood soil conditioner, peat moss, leaf mold or even potting/planting mix. Basically, almost anything you can add to your garden -- with the exception of fertilizers or plants themselves -- can be considered mulch. Of course, using planting or potting mix as a mulch covering can get expensive very quickly.
A couple side notes: organic matter can range from well-rotted homemade compost to bags of organic compost you can buy at s nursery. Mushroom compost, steer manure and chicken manure are other forms of organic compost. Also, avoid adding sand to your garden. For one thing, sand from the beach will be very high in salts, which will burn your plants. Even clean sand purchased in bags aren't good with our sils in California since our soils tend to be very high in clay. Clay plus sand equals cement!
Mulch is usually used as a finish cover over bare ground or plantings in the garden. Spreading a 4-inch layer of mulch will save water by preventing evaporation and keeping the soil moist longer. Mulch will also help to prevent so many weeds from sprouting. Mulch will also benefit root growth since the mulch will eventually make its way toward the roots. Finally, a finishing layer of mulch makes the garden look better aesthetically. If you want, you can dig or rototill the mulch into your soil as well.
As for watering, it should go without mention that new transplants need watering and that you shouldn't waste water even though the statewide water situation is in good shape this year. In order to save water, install drip irrigation or use soaker hoses in place of tradtional sprinklers whenever possible. Soaker hoses are ideal for trees or landscape shrubs, while pop-up sprinklers still are best for lawns. Form water basins around individual plants, such as roses and trees. Try to water in the morning, keep weeds pulled and spread that mulch.
When planting new flowers and vegetables, use a granular all-purpose fertilizer or add sulphate of ammonia to get things off to a good start. Liquid fertilizers, such as Miracle-Gro, are fine. Remember, too, that liquid fertilizers can be used as a foliar spray where the nutrients can be taken in through stems and leaves, as well as roots. Timed-release pellets like Osmocote are also an easy way for plants to get a little bit of fertilizer at a time over a long period.
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