Mulch Functionality

Mulch Gets Plants Through Weather Extremes

During dry spells, mulch can save plants. It acts as an insulator, keeping the soil cool and moist in summer. Vegetables that have their roots in cool soil will be more vigorous and less stressed by heat. In winter, mulch can keep the soil from freezing, an advantage for those who have root crops in the ground. The exception to this is in cold climates, where gardeners either avoid mulching so that the ground can soak up all of the summer sun’s rays, or mulch with black landscape fabric or plastic to trap heat.

Mulch Keeps Soil Moist Longer

Water evaporates much more slowly when the soil around the plant is covered with mulch. That means more water for the plant — and less watering for you.

Mulch Keeps Down Weeds

Organic mulch keeps the soil beneath it shaded, loose, and moist. If weed seeds manage to germinate in the dark and rise above the mulch, they are easily uprooted by pulling. But beware that you don’t use mulch (or natural fertilizer like chicken litter) that can introduce seeds into the garden.

Mulch Keeps Plants Clean

A mulch blanket under your plants keeps soil from splashing onto the leaves, which in turn helps prevent disease (especially on tomatoes). Lettuce, spinach, and other greens will be a lot easier to wash, too.

Mulch Becomes Valuable Humus

As organic mulches gradually decay, they increase organic matter and, eventually, humus in the soil. Humus is the holy grail of organic matter, as it is the point at which such materials can no longer decay. Instead, they act like a sponge to hold moisture and nutrients. This is the ideal growing environment for most plant roots.