These include shading roots on hot days, preventing moisture from evaporating, and stopping weeds from taking root.

But it’s important to learn thedifferences between mulch materialsand how to choose the best one for the job.

This guide will explain everything you should probably know about how to mulch your garden.

Mulching Newly Planted Tree

Credit: Andy Lyons

Two Types of Mulch

There are two basic kinds of mulch: Organic and inorganic.

They last a few years, after which you’ll need to add more.

It’s the lowest-maintenance option but not easy to plant in.

You’ll want to stick with organic mulch if the answer is yes.

Pick the Right Mulch

Every kind of organic mulch has pros and cons.

For example, bark nuggets are widely available but can float away in heavy rain.

Otherwise, you might end up with more weeds, not less!

), there are some things to keep in mind.

These are some of our best mulching tips.

How Much Mulch Do I Need?

So, how much do you need?

Most bags of mulch may yield 2 cubic feet, and prices are usually reasonable.

However, dont forget to add to your budget additional items to prep the area as noted above.