Mulch is far more than a decorative layer. It protects the soil from drying out, suppresses weeds, and improves long-term ...

In a recent column, I proposed mulches composed of living plants as an environmentally-friendly alternative for suppressing weeds, enhancing garden plant growth and nurturing the soil. I suspect, ...

Traditional wood mulch has its advantages, but a major downside is that it has to be replaced often. This alternative is also ...

My garden sure wood be nothing without mulch! Like choosing the right plant for the right place, mulch should match the conditions and plants growing in your garden. Mulch can be plant-based: compost, ...

Shredded organic matter is a boon to beds, borders and edible gardens. Here’s how to use it.

Though mulch's main purpose is to preserve moisture and deter weed growth, it also has an aesthetic function, and so the available choices are sometimes the source of disagreement. Some prefer to take ...

When you tidy up the garden after the winter, don’t tidy it too much. “Make sure you leave the mulch layer that covers your garden’s soil,” said Sharon Yiesla, plant knowledge specialist in the Plant ...

In this week's Ask the Gardener, we also tackle the thorny question of pruning hydrangeas. And if you've got a 'Live Forever' plant, we've got some tips to help that live up to its name. The ...

You've purchased a new load of mulch to refresh your flower bed. Maybe half the mulch washed away in a storm, or maybe you've ...

A garden never whispers. It announces itself the moment someone steps into the yard, and surprisingly, mulch often sets the tone long before flowers steal the spotlight. Color might sound like a ...

Q: I want to cover a 30-by-100-foot garden in wood chips because it is on a slope, and the soil drains so fast that it has lost a lot of its nutrients. Where can I get free wood chips? — Merle Need, ...