The main benefits a layer of mulch on your vegetable or flower beds can provide include:
- Conserves moisture by slowing evaporation
- Reduces growth of weeds
- Helps reduce erosion
- Adds organic matter as it breaks down
- Increases water absorption and retention
- Makes surface areas more attractive
With our current drought situation, we’re all trying to preserve every bit of soil moisture that we can and adding mulch is one easy way to do it. At the same time, by keeping soil cool, and blocking light, it can help prevent weeds from growing.
Not sure what to use? If possible, choose an organic material that add nutrients to the soil as it breaks down. Check out this information on a wide variety of mulch materials to find one that will work for you.