Use dark mulch instead of water as a base for your garden bridge. You can even add plants for color. 17. A Perfect Addition to Nature-inspired Gardens

When you live in a hot, dry climate or during times of drought, this feature can be extremely useful since it can help maintain the proper level of moisture in the soil for healthier plant growth during hot and dry weather. Cedar Mulch: Cedar mulch is another type of wood mulch made from shredded cedar wood. It has a deep, mahogany color that can add an air of sophistication to any outdoor space. The natural oils found in cedar mulch also help to repel pests and make it an ideal choice for protecting your garden

Whether you’re growing a vegetable garden or prize roses, adding mulch around the base of plants can be an attractive and practical touch. In addition to reducing the amount of water needed and improving the quality and structure of the soil, it frees up time from weeding to enjoy other activities in the yard. The most important maintenance task is renewing mulch beds each spring. Old mulch decomposes and compacts down over time, becoming less effective. Removing faded old mulch and replacing with fresh product revitalizes the appearance and performance. Wood requires nitrogen to break down, so it can disrupt the natural nitrogen levels when wood takes longer than normal to break down.

Most people don’t think of plastic sheeting as mulch, but it’s a popular choice for commercial farmers. Areas where weeds take hold need special attention. Reapply a fresh layer of mulch to suffocate out the weeds for good. Heavily infested areas may need additional steps like spraying or soil solarization to fully reclaim the bed. pH Maintenance This article was researched and written by Katie Begley, who has used mulch to spruce up her yard and benefit her garden in California, Hawaii, Virginia, and North Carolina. Texas Native is her go-to choice after testing out multiple options as she moved around the United States. Begley is always looking for the best value and performance to enhance her outdoor space. Plastic mulches, as the name suggests, are mulches made of various plastics. Plastic mulches offer benefits such as preventing compacted soil, increasing heat and water retention, and protecting against weeds. Like other synthetic mulches, plastic mulches tend to last longer because they do not decompose. Use wood chips in mulch to achieve this idea. It can be used for every type of plant, like succulents, flowers, etc. 7. Crushed Mulch for Formal GardensThis stuff is pricey and doesn’t last long, but it builds soil and adds organic matter. I usually have to apply twice a year to maintain a decent weed barrier, making this yet more costly. However, I love the stuff and it does smell like chocolate (considering it’s made out of the shells of cocoa beans) every time I water it! Mushroom Compost This keeps plants happier and healthier, especially during those long, dry summer months in some areas. Pine Mulch: Pine mulch is a type of organic wood mulch made from pine needles and other plant matter. It has a dark, earthy hue that can add depth and contrast to your landscaping projects. Not only does it look great, but it also provides excellent soil aeration and moisture retention, making it an ideal choice for gardens and flower beds. You can also give your plant a new makeover by adding pebbles to make it look more beautiful. Also, to give your plant an extra boost, you can mix the mulch with straw mulch , which will be even more effective at keeping your plant happy and healthy! 11. Make Your French Drains Look Like Never Before