Mulch smothers the weeds that compete with your plant-life for the nutrients, moisture, and air contained in the soil that they inhabit. Proper mulch will save much time and labor throughout the gardening season. It also reduces the amount of water needed to nourish the garden.

Mulch also keeps the soil cool because it does not dry in the sun as soils do. In the winter, mulch has a much different value, in that, it keeps the soil warm. This will prevent perennials from heaving due to freeze-thaw conditions.

Earthworms love mulch and it increases their movement, creating air pockets. The earthworms will eat the mulch as it decomposes and, when excreted, adds to the level of nutrients in the soil.

It is important to mulch around flowers, shrubs and trees, without allowing the mulch to rest against their stems or trucks. Poor practices in this area can cause "root-rot" which allows for a cozy place for rodents to nest.

All in all, mulch plays a major role in the success of a garden. Be sure to use 1-2" of mulch to renew the old every 12-24 months and watch your plants flourish in healthy soils.

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