A two to four inch layer of mulch controls soil temperatures, conserves water, and supports biodiversity. Most of all, it reduces the need to weed by 80 to 90%. Choosing the right mulch, and spreading it correctly will benefit the backyard orchard immensely.   Epic Gardening Shop Homepage: https://growepic.co/3UOx80P Botanical Interests Shop Homepage: https://growepic.co/3USvrzu Book Collection Page:  https://growepic.co/3uNjnVu EG Homesteading Book: https://growepic.co/3IbsXEI Learn More: 21 Fast Producing Fruit Trees, Shrubs & Vines Connect With Tom Spellman: Tom Spellman has 25+ years of experience in the nursery industry, specializing in fruit trees. He's known for the popularization of Backyard Orchard Culture, a method of planting fruit trees at home that maximizes production for the home grower, successive ripening, and unique pruning and plant care strategies that give a home gardener a ton of delicious, sweet fruit. Instagram YouTube Web Site Shop the Store As an exclusive for listeners, use code THEBEET for 5% off your entire order on our store, featuring our flagship Birdies Raised Beds. These are the original metal raised beds, lasting up to 5-10x longer than wooden beds, are ethically made in Australia, and have a customizable modular design.   Shop now and get 5% off your first order. Get Our Books Looking for a beginner's guide to growing food in small spaces? Kevin’s book, Field Guide to Urban Gardening, explains the core, essential information that you'll need to grow plants, no matter where you live! He also wrote Grow Bag Gardening to provide you with specialized knowledge that can bring you success when growing in fabric pots. Preorder Kevin’s newest book Epic Homesteading if you are looking to turn your home into a thriving homestead!  Order signed copies of Kevin’s books, plus more of his favorite titles in our store. More Resources Looking for more information? Follow us: Our Blog YouTube (Including The Beet Podcast,  Epic Homesteading and Jacques in the Garden and Botanical Interest ) Instagram (Including Epic Homesteading, Jacques) Pinterest TikTok Facebook Facebook Group Discord Server