Mulch can be used in every type of garden to increase plant health and reduce weeds. But, how do you know what type of mulch to use for your veggie garden?

There are many options to pick from when looking for the perfect mulch for your garden, including:

• Chopped or shredded leaves;
• Straw;
• Newspapers;
• Grass clippings;
• Compost;
• Cardboard;
• Hay;
• Plastics;
• Garden Fabrics;
• Gravel/stone; or
• Carpet Remnants.

Each type of mulch has its benefits and may or may not suit your garden. For instance, a black plastic mulch will keep the soil much warmer – meaning if you live in a warmer climate, you may over heat your soil.

For best mulching, follow these tips:

• Secure plastic mulches with a product such as earth staples. Cover the entire row with plastic mulch before planting and cut holes to plant as needed. You can also cut plastic mulch lengthwise and wrap it near the plants as needed.
• Underneath the mulch, apply a fertilizer as organic mulches can rob the soil of nitrogen from the decomposition process.
• Keep mulch at least one inch away from stems in order to avoid fungus or rot.
• Clippings from your lawn should be sun-dried for at least one day prior to using as mulch. Do not use clippings from lawns that have been treated with herbicides or toxics.
• Leaves should be aged at least nine months prior to using as mulch.

When growing your vegetable garden, there are many options as far as choosing a mulch. Follow these tips to help you get started!