Mulches Christopher J. Starbuck Department of Horticulture, University of Missouri-Columbia Mulches provide many benefits to plants. Benefits vary with the material used, the type of soil, the kind of plant and the cultural practices used.
Mulch beds can provide a unifying effect in the landscape.
Mulch beds keep the soil cooler in summer and warmer in winter, an important benefit for flowering bulbs. Mulch can also make an attractive walkway through the landscape. Surface insulation to conserve moisture to moderate extremes in temperature to control weeds Soil amendment to improve soil aggregation and granulation to increase water absorption and retention to prevent soil compaction and improve aeration Beautification to make surface areas more attractive to make surface areas more usable for paths, play and sitting areas to make areas easier to maintain Types of mulch Many types of material, organic and inorganic, may be used as mulch. Organic mulches may break down in one season or less or persist for more than one season. The first type is used mainly in vegetable and flower gardens or around newly planted trees and shrubs.