A mulch is any kind of material applied to the soil surface for protection or aesthetic improvement of the area covered. The mulch material may be organic, such as bark or straw, or inert, such as stones or polyethylene cloth. A mulch helps maintain favorable soil conditions under it. Increased plant growth is due primarily to conditions resulting from the use of a given material rather than to any growth-promoting substances present in the mulch itself.
Mulches have many beneficial effects on the soil, plants and the area surrounding the plants.
Proper use of mulches considerably reduces time and labor needed to weed garden areas. Despite these beneficial effects, mulches have limitations. They cannot smother large weeds or diminish plant pest problems and may increase slug or rodent infestations. Mulches have no marked influence on the vitamin or mineral content of the plant material. This information is for educational purposes only.