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Step 1
Determine what your purpose is for using mulch in your garden. Your reason for needing mulch is going to determine what type of mulch to use.
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Step 2
Choose mulch that enhances the look of your garden. Bark and wood chips work well for this. There are some that have a red dye to give the mulch a different look. There are also some types of rocks and gravel that you can use for decoration. The rocks and gravel can also help with retaining water.
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Step 3
Choose mulch to protect plants during the winter season. Laying newspaper or leaves over your garden can help protect the roots from frost.
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Step 4
Fertilize using mulch. Grass clippings work well if they are cut into small enough pieces. This can be done using a mulching mower. Spread the clippings over your garden. Organic mulches will break down over time and enrich your soil with nutrients.
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Step 5
Minimize weeds using mulch. Black plastic mulch works well in vegetable gardens. The weeds below the plastic are less likely to grow to the surface and the weeds on top are easier to pull out since the roots can't grow deep. You can spread other mulch on top of this, such as bark chips, to make it more visually appealing. Some gardeners feel that the plastic isn't necessary if you're going to put organic mulch on top of it, but it really depends on personal preference. Choose what you are most comfortable with.
