thick mulch as moisture saving mechanism

[WendyS]

As I look outside and gleefully watch the rain pour down in our hosepipe-ban area, I'm wondering whether putting a thick layer of bark chippings on my border would have served any purpose. Unless you put them down on very moist soil, won't the absorbent chippings just sop up all the rain and prevent it penetrating into the soil, thus defeating the purpose?

[Lonnie]

Hi Wendy, I use a mulch all the rear round, i'd always recommend using one, but this site will explain better than I can. www.nrcs.usda.gov/feature/backyard/benmulch.html