- When a gardener puts a protective covering over the soil surrounding a plant, the material is called mulch. Mulch can be any type of natural or manmade material such as grass clippings, manure, compost, newspaper, cardboard, wood chips, shredded bark, hay, gravel or plastic sheeting. Generally, the material is spread over the soil in an attempt to protect it or change it from naturally occurring conditions.
- Mulch aids a plant in withstanding extreme temperatures. It allows the soil to hold onto more heat in the cooler seasons of spring and fall, and evens out the temperature in the summer by allowing the soil to remain cool. This moderation of temperatures allows plants to withstand extremes that may kill it. Mulch also repels insects that may destroy a plant. Mulch can control weeds that compete with the desirable plant for food and sunlight.
- Mulch can have a positive impact on plant growth by slowing evaporation of water in and around the plant's growing area. Too little water can negatively affect how a plant grows. The material used for mulch can also add nutrients and organic matter to the soil if it is a natural substance, such as grass clippings or manure. Extra nutrients can contribute to plant growth. Mulch also helps to control erosion and sediment runoff, as well as keeping soil temperatures at an optimal level for maximum plant growth.
