Learn something new every day More Info... by email Mulch keeps
a garden healthy and plants happy by providing a ground cover to
retain moisture, tamp down weeds. and protect soil from heat or
cold. There are dozens of types of mulch, from common ones such
as wood chips, straw, and leaves to unusual varieties including
cocoa hulls, black plastic, and newspaper. Some gardeners choose
to make their own mulch from household materials as a way to
adopt greener gardening methods. Gardeners also may have mulch
brought into their yard in bulk for large jobs. Wood is among
the most common types of mulch. This variety comes in chips made
from branches and bark. Some gardeners prefer wood mulch because
it looks pleasing and, depending on type of wood selected, can
be color coordinated. For instance, cedar mulch can provide a
deep red garden cover. Wood mulch is heavier than other types;
it may better withstand rainy or windy conditions, although
others object to the clearcutting of trees that may be required
to produce