How to Landscape With Mulch

Mulch is beneficial to gardens because it keeps weeds from sprouting between plants and flowers. It also prevents overcrowding and poor nutrition. The many varieties of mulch make it a versatile landscaping tool.  No matter what color or style of mulch you choose, there are many different ways to use it.

• Place mulch on flowerbeds and between plants to replace ground cover.  To infuse the ground with extra nutrients, make your own mulch by spreading a layer of compost soil mix, and top it with crushed or ground leaves.  The leaves will not prevent flowers from coming up and will add nutrients to the soil as the leaves decompose.


• Use wood chip mulch around trees and bushes.  Make a circle with mulch edging, which can be purchased from home improvement or garden stores, and fill it in with wood chip mulch of any color.  This attractive option covers any bare spots around the base of the tree.


• Add mulch to vegetable gardens, making sure to use a biodegradable kind so as not to suffocate the plants.  Place shredded newspaper between plants and top them with hay or straw.  Only use the black and white sections of the newspaper; color ink can be harmful to plants.  The straw will decompose quickly and will need replacing occasionally.


• Consider inorganic mulch, such as rubber or plastic.  Areas such as around decks, patios, furniture or decorations look nice when surrounded by black rubber mulch.  Rubber or plastic mulch is also a more attractive option for avoiding bare spots under play equipment.  Stones and pebbles can also be used in landscaping but are not suited for use directly on garden floors because they reflect heats and do not allow the soil to breathe.