4 Reasons to Mulch Your Garden
The list of benefits of mulching your garden is an extensive one. Here are 4 of the biggest reasons why you should mulch your beds.
Mulch insulates plant roots and steadies temperature changes. A layer of mulch will act as insulation during fluctuating temperatures. Bare soil will absorb heat more readily than mulch-covered soil. Although warm soil aids in plant growth, maintaining an even temperature is more beneficial. In times of cold weather, mulch will act as a protective barrier keeping the soil temperature from dropping too drastically.
Mulch affects moisture content of the soil. Moisture evaporates more easily from bare soil than from mulch-covered soil.
Mulch acts as erosion control. Bare soil washes away more easily if there is no barrier to keep it in place. A layer of mulch will prevent soil displacement.
Mulch adds nutrients to your soil. Mulch breaks down naturally adding nutrients to your soil for healthier plant life. TIP: Avoid using fresh wood chips as the early decomposition stages actually pull nutrients out of soil and are not as beneficial as a properly aged mulch.