What Is Meant By The Gardening Term "Mulch?"

Mulch is a protective ground covering that is used by plant growers to protect their plants, control weeds, and reduce water evaporation.  Mulching also prevents erosion by breaking the force of strong rain as it hits the soil over a plant's roots.  Mulch is usually shredded natural material, such as wood, leaves, moss, grass clippings, etc.

The use of organic mulch is recommended, as herbicides can potentially harm all plants and can leach into the ground to contaminate other plants and the water supply.  Most gardeners apply organic mulch once or twice a year.