With so many choices available at garden centers, how do you choose the best mulch material for your vegetable garden? Wood chips or pine bark? Or perhaps a synthetic material that will help trap ...

Best for: Garden beds and vegetable gardens Newspaper Photo: istockphoto.com Shredded black-and-white newspaper can be used as an effective weed suppressant. Apply two to three layers at a time, then ...

Organic mulch keeps soil cool, moist, and weed-free while boosting long-term soil health. Great natural mulches include compost, chopped leaves, pine needles, and straw. A thick 3-inch mulch layer, ...

The differences between substances used for mulch are mostly about the aesthetics and convenience of the gardener. “Plants aren’t so particular,” said Sharon Yiesla, plant knowledge specialist at The ...

Mulch helps retain moisture in the soil, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds. Composted hardwood bark is an excellent mulch choice for the Northeast, while pine straw and pine fines are ...

As the vibrant colors of summer give way to the rich hues of autumn, fall presents a perfect opportunity to prepare your garden for the colder months ahead. One of the most effective ways to ensure ...

I recently was asked about organic mulches and their importance. While searching for different types, I came across information from Iowa State University that will answer that question. Organic ...

I love watching the snow melt off the lawn. Not only does it give me hope for the gardening I know is so close at hand, it is always a surprise to see to what appears as the snow disappears. Last year ...

As you're prepping your garden for its winter slumber (or even introducing new plants for a winter vegetable garden), you ...

As you know, I love to garden, but I don't like to do work needlessly. If I can find a gardening technique that saves me time, effort and money -- well, I'm there. And you can't find a better example ...

Knowing when to add a second layer of mulch can insulate your plants, protect soil from extreme temperatures, and ensure ...