TOOLS & TIPS FOR EVERYONE WHO LOVES TO DIG
outdoors
Mulch Matters
WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?
Mulch is a
great way to suppress weeds and retain
moisture in the garden. Both organic mulch
and rock mulch do that, but the similarities
end there. Organic mulches, such as bark chips,
compost, or pine straw, break down over time,
adding fertility and improving the soil they
cover. It’s also easy to add or change plantings
when using organic mulches. While rock
mulches don’t break down and enrich the soil,
they’re virtually permanent and require little
maintenance. Rock mulches may be best in
paths and shrub borders, and in areas where
organic mulch could be a fire risk.
by S U S A N A P P L E G E T H U R S T
118
AUGUST 2009 BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS
P H O T O : B L A IN E M O A T S
