What exactly is mulch?
Generally speaking, mulch is any material that protects soil surface and allows air and water through. Mulch is useful over an area of bare soil and around planted areas. Organic mulches (derived from plant material) add nutrients over time and enrich overall soil composition, so they’re hard to beat. Compost, aged manure, raked leaves, pine needles, and thin layers of lawn clippings (as long as they’re herbicide and pesticide free) all work for various situations. You can also opt for an inorganic mulch such as gravel, granite, or stone. Q: Will manure burn my plants? A: It can burn the roots of your plants if it’s not well composted, so look for bag labels that specifically say “well-composted manure.” Be sure to ask your supplier if you are purchasing in bulk. Q: How much should I buy? A: Determine the square footage you want to cover and use the following as a guide: A 2-cubic-foot bag covers an area of 8 square feet that’s 3 inches deep; 1 cubic yard of mulch covers an area of 108
