What Is the Best, Free Mulch for My Gardens for Weed Control?

Reader Contribution by Heidi Hunt
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I would like to find an effective and inexpensive (or free) mulch for my gardens for weed control. I tried some “free” compost from the town and it’s now loaded with baby plants of some sort (probably weeds). I tried my own leaf mulch and had to pick out scores of maple seedlings. I’ve heard about spent hops but I guess it’s pretty stinky. Any other ideas?

Your very best bet for free mulch is grass clippings from a yard that has not been treated with herbicides. Not only will the clippings smother the weeds, they will enrich the soil, providing nutrients for the annuals, perennials and bushes they are protecting. Check out Build Better Soil with Free Organic Fertilizer! on more ways to build better soil while discouraging weeds.

If you have a sawmill close to your home, you may be able to get sawdust to use as a mulch. While not as nutrient rich as grass clippings, it will smother weeds. Cotton seed hulls are another good mulch, especially if you live in cotton country. The trick is to find a local product to use as mulch so you are not ramping up your carbon footprint while depressing the weeds.

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