We have a very large quantity of wood chippings - 3 yards or more. I would
like to use them to mulch our newly planted garden but we are being advised
not as it will prevent the water from getting through to the young plants.

Some of the garden was planted last autumn and was mulched then with 2
inches or manure. The rest has just been planted and has not been mulched.
My thoughts are to mulch the older parts in the autumn as there is plenty of
manure left on/in the ground. For the newer bits to get some more manure to
act as mulch/feed/soil conditioner.

Advice would be welcome.