Mulch can help suppress weeds, conserve soil moisture, protect soil from erosion and temperature swings, and improve soil over time when you choose an appropriate material and apply it correctly. It reduces some garden problems; it does not make a bed weed-free or eliminate the need to water.
What mulch does—and what it does not do
Mulch is a layer of material placed on the soil surface. Organic types include bark, wood chips, compost, leaves, pine straw, and grass clippings. Inorganic materials such as stone can cover soil, but they do not decompose into organic matter.
Mulch is most useful when matched to the site, plants, and job. Consider function, cost, local availability, appearance, durability, particle size, and how often the material will need replenishing. Organic mulch gradually breaks down; stone lasts longer but does not provide the same soil-building contribution. Iowa State University Extension and Outreach offers guidance on mulch selection and use in its Using Mulch in the Garden.
9 reasons to mulch your garden
1. Suppress annual weeds
A layer of mulch blocks light at the soil surface, making it harder for many annual weeds to sprout. It reduces weed pressure rather than creating a permanent weed barrier: perennial weeds may still need removal, and weeds can take root in organic material that accumulates on top.
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- Includes 10lb block of Back to the Roots compressed Coconut Husk Mulch that expands to over 2 cubic feet of mulch. Use it for gardens, raised beds, pet bedding and more
- Expands to over 2 cubic feet
- Peat Free OMRI Listed, assuring organic production, handling, and processing
- 100% SATISFACTION GUARANTEE: If you are not satisfied or have any issues with this Organic Coconut Mulch, just shoot us a note and our dedicacted customer support team will make sure we get you growing or send you a refund/replacement.
- GROWONEGIVEONE — Share a photo of your growing garden and we’ll donate a Grow Kit and STEM elementary school curriculum to a classroom of your choice.
2. Conserve soil moisture
Mulch limits evaporation from the soil surface and can reduce runoff. Oregon State University Extension Service says a 3- to 5-inch layer can reduce soil-water evaporation by 70 percent compared with bare soil. That is the publication’s comparison, not a guaranteed result for every material, climate, or garden. Mulch reduces irrigation needs, but water still has to pass through it and wet the soil below. See Conserving water in your yard and garden.
3. Buffer soil temperatures
Mulch moderates temperature swings at the soil surface, helping protect roots from heat and cold stress. Its buffering effect can be useful during hot or cold weather, though the result depends on the material, depth, and site.
Rank #2
- All-Natural & Clean Mulch —Sustainably sourced 100% non-GMO wheat straw is naturally filtered to remove dust, dirt, and as many seeds as possible for a clean, pure mulch.
- Designed for Gardens & Compost-Friendly — Ideal for vegetable, herb, flower, and fruit gardens, raised beds, containers, and lawn repair; used straw breaks down quickly, adds carbon to compost, and naturally enriches soil.
- Conserves Water — Retains soil moisture, limits evaporation, and keeps soil cool, reducing watering needs by up to 50%.
- Improves Soil Health & Boosts Yields – Reduces compaction and erosion, supports microbes, improves aeration, conserves nutrients, and builds organic matter in your soil for healthier, higher-yielding plants.
- Stays in Place & Expansive Coverage — Specially cut straw fibers interlock when watered, staying in place naturally and resisting wind and rain without chemical binders; 3 cu ft compressed bale covers up to 100 sq ft at a 2–3" layer or 600 sq ft for lawn seeding at ¼" thickness.
4. Reduce erosion and runoff
Covering bare soil softens the impact of raindrops and can slow runoff, helping keep soil in place. This is especially useful on exposed ground and slopes, where rain can otherwise carry soil away.
5. Protect soil from compaction
A mulch layer shields soil from the direct impact of rain and can help protect it from foot traffic. Less compaction supports water infiltration and helps maintain soil structure.
Rank #3
- 100% Organic & Peat-Free: Our organix mulch mix is 100% organic & peat-free. Peat is one of Mother Nature’s most important stores of carbon. Instead of imported peat, the base of our soils is made from upcycled plant matter or wood fines from the United States!
- Intended for use in Mulch Soil: Our unique soil blend is ideal for nurturing herbs, vegetables, and fruits planted in a raised bed. Its nutrient-rich composition provides the essential elements for promoting robust growth, vibrant flavors, and bountiful harvests. It’s also proudly made in the USA.
- Better Moisture Control and Water Absorption: Our unique soil blend incorporates yucca extract for moisture control, dolomitic limestone for pH balancing, and gypsum for better water absorption.
- 100% SATISFACTION GUARANTEE: If you are not satisfied or have any issues with this Raised Bed Mix, just shoot us a note and our dedicated customer support team will make sure we get you growing or send you a refund/replacement.
- #GROWONEGIVEONE — Share a photo of your growing garden & we’ll donate a Kids Grow Kit & STEM elementary school curriculum to a classroom of your choice!
6. Add organic matter and support soil life
Organic mulch decomposes over time, providing food for soil organisms and gradually contributing organic matter and nutrients. The amount and nutrient value depend on the material. Stone and other inorganic covers do not provide this same benefit.
7. Reduce competition around plants
By suppressing weeds and turf near garden plants, mulch can reduce competition for water and nutrients. Oregon State Extension notes that young trees in lawns establish and grow faster when surrounded by a mulched area, in part because turf roots compete less with them.
Rank #4
- NATURAL GARDEN COVER: Creates a clean, polished garden surface while helping minimize weed growth naturally. This organic mulch also supports healthy soil structure and nutrient balance for thriving plants.
- HIGH CARBON ORGANIC MULCH: Formulated with 30% natural carbon to foster beneficial soil microbes and promote overall soil vitality. Ideal for garden beds, potted plants, and outdoor planters.
- MOISTURE-RETAINING & WATER-EFFICIENT: Naturally helps retain soil moisture, reducing the frequency of watering and supporting healthy root hydration. A smart, water-efficient choice for both indoor and outdoor use.
- ODOR-FREE & EASY TO USE: Made from clean, pure Aspen bark — odor-free, lightweight, and easy to apply. Perfect for gardeners who prefer a fine mulch texture over coarse wood chips.
- CERTIFIED ORGANIC: OMRI-listed for organic gardening, representing true organic quality and sustainability. Crafted to enhance your soil and beautify your garden naturally.
8. Keep soil from splashing onto edible crops
Mulch can reduce rain-spattered soil on fruits, vegetables, and flowers. Iowa State Extension includes cleaner produce and reduced spoilage among its practical benefits.
9. Give beds a finished appearance
A consistent surface can make a planting bed look more composed and provide a visual background for plants. Appearance is worth weighing alongside function, cost, and durability—not in place of them.
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Best Value
- Natural Cedar; Use with your outdoor and indoor plants; will hold moisture in! THIS IS A 4 QUART SIZE OF CEDAR CHIPS
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- Put in animal bedding; put in kitty litter & a number of other places.
- Great for Hanging Planters, Potted Plants, Indoor & Outdoor Gardens Or Potted Plants
- Our goal is the most product to the customer for the lowest cost. Our bags are sometimes "skinny" to reduce the average cost to you.
Choose a material for the site and purpose
Different materials behave differently. Iowa State describes bark as attractive and slow to decompose, with particle sizes that vary; larger bark can also make planting, transplanting, and weeding harder. Oregon State lists bark products, compost, arborist wood chips, mint hay, and leaves among common regional organic materials. In Florida, UF/IFAS notes that pine straw knits together and is less likely to wash away, but settles and breaks down relatively quickly. Local conditions and availability matter.
- For soil improvement: choose an organic mulch that can decompose in contact with the soil.
- For a long-lasting surface: compare slower-decomposing options, while accounting for how their size and texture affect planting and maintenance.
- For slopes or exposed areas: consider whether the material tends to stay in place; pine straw, for example, knits together.
- For edible beds: choose clean material suitable for the plants, and avoid mulch that may contain weed seeds or unwanted soil and leaf matter.
UF/IFAS guidance on material choice and installation is in Choosing and Installing Mulches. For broader garden guidance, consult the University of Minnesota Extension guide to mulching for soil and garden health.
Apply mulch without creating new problems
- Clear the area. Remove established weeds and prepare the bed before spreading mulch. A covering makes annual weeds harder to start, but does not reliably control perennial weeds.
- Spread an appropriate layer. Oregon State’s general gardening handout suggests 2 to 4 inches for organic mulch. Treat that as a starting point, not a universal rule: material, plant, drainage, and regional guidance can change what is appropriate. The handout is Gardening with Mulches.
- Keep it off crowns and trunks. Leave plant crowns uncovered and do not pile mulch against woody stems. Moisture held against trunks can raise fungal or bacterial disease risks and shelter voles, according to Oregon State’s Mulching woody ornamentals with organic materials.
- Check drainage and depth. More mulch is not always better. A thick layer can worsen oxygen-poor conditions in already wet or poorly drained soil.
- Water the soil, not just the covering. Irrigate thoroughly enough for water to pass through the mulch and wet the soil below. Frequent, light watering may wet only the mulch and encourage shallow roots.
- Refresh organic mulch as it breaks down. Replenish it when needed, rather than letting accumulated material become excessively deep.
Should you put landscape fabric beneath organic mulch?
Usually, avoid treating fabric or plastic as a necessary weed-proof base under organic mulch. Iowa State Extension reports that fabric does not prevent all weeds. Organic material placed over fabric also cannot mix into the soil as it decomposes, limiting its contribution to soil fertility and structure; the covering may wash or blow away as well. If soil-building is a goal, organic mulch needs contact with the soil.
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