Mulch now or later?

[Jonny.D]

Wondering if it would be OK to put mulch down now in the flower beds in the hope would help the soil retain water or wait until nearer the end of the year?

TIA

[Mr Bones]

What type of mulch is it Jonny. If it's reasonably inert I'd put it down now.

[Penellype]

I'm mulching everything to help keep the soil damp in this hot weather. I'm using something called Strulch, but you could use bark or compost. I'd not use fresh manure or large quantities of grass cuttings on flowers though as you might burn them.

[roitelet]

Just make sure the soil is wet before you put the mulch on.

[Jonny.D]

What type of mulch is it Jonny. If it's reasonably inert I'd put it down now.

It would be fresh from a Tree surgeon and so active