Mulch Guide

Benefits of Mulch in Your Garden

1. Insulates soil against extreme weather changes so that it can stay warmer in the winter;
2. Encourages water preservation and increases the time between waterings by slowing down evaporation;
3. Deters insects and pests in your garden by improving your soil's biodiversity as it decomposes;
4. Prevents soil erosion;
5. Slows down or prevents weed seed growth.

Types of Mulch

Different mulches affect your soils PH and are better suited for different climate or hardiness zones.

Cedar Chips - $

Pros: Repels insects and pests such as termites.

Cons: Depletes soil of nitrogen (aged cedar chips are ok), quickly loses its color.

Cocoa Hulls $$$

Pros: chocolate scented, darkens with age, lightweight and finely textured, better suited for warm dry climates
Cons: may be toxic to dogs and cats, prone to growing mold

Cypress - $

Pros: Insect and fungus resistant, slows weed growth.
Cons: Not environmentally friendly as cypress deforestation has quickly become a real problem in Florida's wetlands.

Eucalyptus mulch - $

This is what I use. There is a lot of debate about it harming crops, but I have not had any problems with it. 

Melaleuca Bark - $$ 

Pros: Deters termites, highly renewable, good for the environment, help as its an ideal use for this invasive tree.

Cons: some people are bothered by its scent

Maple and Oak Shreaded Barks - $

Pros: Available in a variety of colors. Ideal for cold wet climates and sloped gardens, and prevents soil erosion. Not very acidic

Cons: Unaged oak bark will deplete the soil of nitrogen, may attract termites.

Pine Bark - $

Pros: Effectively slows weeds growth, decomposes slowly, great for flatbeds, environmentally friendly.

Cons: Nitrogen absorber.

Wood Chips - $

Pros: Ideal for controlling weeds around trees and shrubs
Cons:  Often contains chemicals as many are by-products of the construction industry which pressure treats it. Attracts disease for tomatoes and roses.

Rocks/ Stones - $

Pros: Prevents soil erosion, ideal over weed barriers
Cons: Increases soils acidity which can be a benefit for acid-loving berry bushes and herbs. Beware of using rocks near trees which may prefer less acidic soil. Should be placed over cloth or weed barriers, difficult to use gardening tools near it.

Lava Rocks - $$

Pros: Available in many colors, lasts very long, won't decompose or erode, heavy, may bring out herbs essential oils, ideal for use around herbs, increases soil temperature.
Cons: Requires weed barrier or cloth to prevent rocks from sinking into the soil, difficult to use gardening equipment around it.

Straw (not hay) - $

Pros: deters flea beetles, suppresses weeds, insulates soil to keep it warmer in winter.
Cons: Depletes soil of nitrogen, decomposes rapidly, highly flammable, often contains weed seeds.

Pine Needles - $

Pros: Inexpensive, high in carbon, lightweight.

Cons: Highly acidic which is great for herbs and acid-loving berries.

Grass Clippings - Free

Pros: Decomposes quickly, high in nitrogen, ideal for use over the lawn of course.

Cons: Must be dry before used as mulch, often contains weed seeds.

Compost - $

Pros: Enriches soil and deters pests.

Cons: Often contains weed seeds.