Check the soil before covering it
Mulch is part of soil and water management, not a substitute for inspection. In a UK or Irish summer, the same bed may move from prolonged rain to a dry spell. Check moisture below the surface and remove persistent weeds before applying material.
Match material to the situation
Use a suitable material of known origin and consider how easily you can obtain and handle it. Check whether it is appropriate around the crop and avoid introducing contaminated material. Keep space around plant stems and leave access for watering and checking young growth.
Start with an observable area
Try a manageable section rather than covering every bed at once. Note how the soil behaves, whether the material mats together and whether it makes crop inspection difficult. Adjust the layer when needed instead of assuming a thicker covering is always an improvement.
Review the whole watering routine
Compare moisture and plant condition in similar covered and uncovered areas. Water according to need rather than continuing the old schedule automatically. Record the material used and any problems so the decision next season reflects your garden, not just an attractive photograph of somebody else’s beds.