Mulch is an organic protective cover placed over the soil. There are many benefits to using mulch in garden beds. Mulch helps retain water in the soil by slowing down the evaporation process. Mulch also controls weeds by blocking out sunlight. Mulch helps control the temperature of the soil by retaining heat in the spring and fall and keeping the soil cool on hot summer days. Mulch also helps repel insects. Below are some common types of mulch and their benefits.

Cedar Mulch

• Suppresses weeds and prevents weed germination when applied deep enough
• Insect Resistant
• Reduces water loss from around the plants
• Naturally breaks down to add nutrients to the soil
• Cedar's natural light color reduces air temperature around plants

Hardwood Mulch

• Dark brown color looks like soil from far away
• Suppresses weeds and prevents weed germination when applied deep enough
• Reduces water loss from around plants
• Naturally breaks down to add nutrients to the soil
• Double shredded to help mulch stay in place after installation