Mulches can help reduce the severity of some diseases, such as blights on tomatoes. They help keep fruits, vegetables, and flowers free of rain spattered soil. They also reduce fruit and vegetable spoilage. Organic mulches moderate soil temperatures. During the hot summer months, they help maintain cooler soil temperatures.
Mulches also provide an attractive background for landscape plantings.
Several organic materials may be used as mulches. The characteristics of several mulches are discussed below. Allow lawn clippings to dry before applying to garden areas. Fresh, green material will settle and form a dense mat. It may also produce an unpleasant odor.