Your Ultimate Guide to Mulching

If you are part of the third of Americans 50-plus who love gardening, you probably know it's the season to plan your garden, prepare the space and get planting. But don't sit back admiring your work yet; you're not done. There's an important next step that will save you time, money and water: mulching.

Why take the time and energy to mulch?

Keeps the water in. A ground cover, mulch keeps the soil moist so plants and shrubs thrive.

"By putting down a layer of mulch, you can retain soil moisture, which is good for your plants, and it's also good for water conservation," says David Mizejewski, naturalist, television personality and a spokesperson for the National Wildlife Federation

Regulates soil temperature. Mulch also provides insulation for the soil b moderating the soil temperature so it's not too hot for plants, shrubs or trees. Lou Meyer, mid-Atlantic arborist at the Davey Tree Expert Company, compares mulch to insulating a home. Mulch acts like a blanket covering the ground, he says.

Reduce weeds. Mulch keeps weeds at bay. "If you mulch regularly once or twice a year, it'll help suppress weeds and reduce the need weeding maintenance in your garden," says Cooper Schlegel, product manager for live goods for W. Atlee Burpee & Co.

To read more of Lou's tips, click here.