Gardeners use it a great deal around mid-Wales (5)

I believe the answer is:

mulch

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'gardeners use it' is the definition.
I know that 'gardeners' relates to this answer.

'a great deal around mid-wales' is the wordplay.
'a great deal' becomes 'much' (synonyms).
'around' indicates putting letters inside.
'mid' indicates the central letters.
The middle letter of 'wales' is 'l'.
'much' going around 'l' is 'MULCH'.

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(Other definitions for mulch that I've seen before include "Garden additive" , "Treat with compost" , "Material for garden" , "Requisite for garden" , "Weed suppressant" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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