The type of mulch matters. Shredded leaves and composted bark improved my soil over time, while dyed wood chips looked neat but did not do much for my vegetable beds. If your goal is water retention and soil health, choose organic mulch that breaks down slowly.
Should I use mulch around everything in the garden, or can mulch cause problems?
Everyone says mulch saves water and stops weeds, but I’ve also heard it can attract pests or hurt plants if used wrong.
Gardeners discuss the benefits and mistakes of mulching, including depth, plant crowns, pests and moisture control.
Answers & Discussion
In my damp garden, mulch helped weeds but also gave slugs a cozy place to hide. I still use it, but I changed where and how much. Around tomatoes and shrubs it is great. Around tender seedlings, I leave a little breathing room until the plants are stronger.
Mulch is one of the best things I added to my garden, but depth matters. I use a few inches around beds, but I keep it away from plant stems and tree trunks. The volcano mulch around trees is the big mistake. Mulch should protect soil, not bury the plant.
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