Weedless Gardening: Mulch Guide
Photo by Pixabay/photoAC
Mulch Type
|
Availability
|
Characteristics
|
| Bark chips | Purchase in bags at garden centers | Weed-free; long-lasting; moderately good at smothering small weeds; not as good at conserving moisture as most other mulches; attractive to some people |
| Compost | Make your own, get free from yard waste sites, or buy at garden centers | Nutrient-rich; usually weed-free; prevents disease; excellent mulch for vegetable beds |
| Grass clippings | Free whenever you or your neighbors mow; do not use clippings from lawns treated with weedkillers | Usually weed-free; excellent at smothering weeds; thick layers of fresh clippings may heat up, so apply only 1/2-inch thick and not near stems of young plants |
| Hay | Cut your own, collect along roadsides, or buy in bales | May contain weed seeds; good at smothering weeds; salt hay is gathered in marshes and will not bring in weeds |
| Hulls and shells | Bagged for purchase, perhaps free where grown or processed | Includes hulls and shells of peanuts, buckwheat, cocoa bean and rice; weed-free; fairly rich in nutrients; best for smothering weed seedlings or keeping weeds out of weed-free areas; longevity varies |
| Leaves | Free for the raking; from neighbors also | Weed-free except for occasional tree seeds; good at smothering weeds; hold in moisture very well; shred with lawnmower to prevent them from blowing away |
| Pine needles | Rake your own (although your pines would like them left in place); can be bought in some areas | Weed-free; long-lasting; moderately good at smothering weeds; pretty; don’t worry about alleged pH effects |
| Sawdust | Usually free, but can be purchased by the truckload | Weed-free; long-lasting; good at smothering weed seedlings; avoid sawdust from pressure-treated or painted wood |
| Seaweed | Often collected or dumped for free | Weed-free; nutrient-rich; not long-lasting; excellent at smothering weeds when fresh |
| Stone | Usually purchased; various rocks in various colors | Weed-free and essentially nutrient-free; mostly for paths, except perhaps around cactuses and other succulents; lasts almost forever but needs periodic weeding by raking or plucking |
| Straw | Purchase baled | Should be weed-free; replenish annually; very good at smothering weeds and holding soil moisture |
| Wood chips | Purchase or obtain free by truckload | Weed-free; moderately long-lasting; good at smothering weeds |
Learn all about using natural, weed-free garden techniques that will save you time and labor and create a healthier, thriving garden in Weedless Gardening.
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