Why Mulch?

"Mulching" describes the time-honored practice of covering soil with a layer of material that will provide a variety of beneficial gardening results. Mulch can limit weeds, conserve soil moisture, moderate soil temperature, decrease soil compaction and may also reduce the spread of some soil-born diseases. Mulching materials may be organic, from living sources such as wood chips, or inorganic, such as shredded rubber. Over time, organic mulches can help build a better soil structure that pays off in healthy, vigorous plants that may be better able to live with insect and disease infestations.Annual flower beds do best with organic mulches that will break down rapidly when tilled into the soil at the end of the season. This adds organic matter to the soil, provides food for earthworms and helps builds a healthier soil structure. Vegetable gardens often produce larger and healthier crops when mulched at the correct time. Wait until the soil has warmed thoroughly for heat loving crops, but mulch cool season crops early in spring.