Mulch is a protective layer of material spread on top of soil around plants. Gardeners use mulch to keep the soil underneath moist, prevent weeds from sprouting, and protect plant roots from extreme heat or cold. Common types include wood chips, shredded bark, straw, dried leaves, or even grass clippings.

Think of mulch like a blanket for the ground. Just as a blanket keeps you warm and comfortable, mulch keeps soil from drying out in summer heat or freezing solid in winter cold. When rain falls, mulch slows the water down so it soaks into the ground instead of washing away. Weeds struggle to push through a thick layer of mulch, which saves gardeners hours of pulling them out by hand.

As organic mulch slowly breaks down over time, it adds nutrients back into the soil, making it richer and healthier for plants. You'll often see mulch around trees, in flower beds, and along garden paths. Some people even mulch their vegetable gardens in fall, turning the action of spreading mulch into a verb, too.