Charlie Nardozzi of the National Gardening Association explains the many benefits of using mulch. Applying mulch to the soil surface keeps weeds down, slows moisture loss and gives the garden a finished look. Mulches come in two kinds: organic and inorganic. The former are made from bark, leaves and other organic materials and add nutrients to the soil as they break down. The latter category includes stone, landscape fabric and plastic. Landscape fabric is used for permanent plantings and placed on the surface of the soil before planting. Because it's porous, water can penetrate to the soil, but it prevents weed growth. To improve the look of landscape fabric, put bark mulch on top. Don't use landscape fabric for annuals or perennials that need to spread as they grow. Black plastic is good for use with warm-season vegetables such as cucumbers, tomatoes and melons. Lay it down two weeks before planting to let the sun heat the soil. When it's time to plant, just cut through the plastic. Make sure the plastic is permeable so water can reach the soil. Pea gravel is often used on paths or around shrubs and can brighten a shady area. Different types of stone are used in various regions of the country. Cocoa hulls, a byproduct of the chocolate-making process, works well with herbs and perennials and plants with delicate foliage. Because the hulls are light, this mulch will blow away in windy areas. It's also very expensive. Shredded bark is good to use on slopes because it resists washing away. Wood chips are good for pathways. Chips made from hardwood will last longer. Tree-trimming companies are often a good source of shredded bark or wood chips. They may dump a load right in your driveway and save themselves a trip to the dump. Regionally popular mulches such as pine straw, hay straw and seaweed should be layered at least 6" deep. Keep these mulches away from the stems of plants to prevent rot. Most herbs prefer a light mulch. Don't pile the mulch against the stems of plants: keep it 1" to 2" away. A 3" to 4" layer of shredded mulch works well around shrubs. A thicker layer could inhibit air and water from reaching the roots.
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