Our spring and summers sound like yours DrDawg but with rain every evening in the summers. I don't mulch because I don't want to give the mosquitos a place to breed and I've heard that mulch traps enough water for them as they only need a small amount. I do put coffee grounds around the bananas and in one other bed but I hope the smaller grains will not trap enough water. This is why you rarely see mulch down here, I'm not sure if it is just a belief or if it is true. Most people keep their yards well raked and completely clear and clean to the soil around the plants.
