Mulch is an excellent way to retain moisture in your garden, it’s organic, easily accessible and cost effective, but those aren’t the only things mulch is good for and I want to give you a few tips about the benefits of mulching your garden. Firstly, mulch plays a vital role in retaining water within your soil by protecting it from the sun’s direct rays, preventing water loss due to evaporation. During heat waves, water loss increases 2x’s the normal rate so if you add at least two inches of much on top of your soil, it will prevent you from having to water as much during the summer months. Second, organic matter such as, leaves, grass, hay and small branches break down over time, leaving behind

nutrient rich minerals and enzymes vital to the overall health of your soil and the more you allow this process to happen naturally, the less you have to do later to adding what should already be accessible. Lastly, our soil is comprised of many different living things called, “micro-organisms,” which can’t be seen by the naked eye constantly working to improve the conditions around them. Worms also create air pockets in the soil or “aerate” the soil, which help the roots of your plants breath better and in turn produce stronger plants. Mulch can do this and so much more, so I encourage you to take advantage of this natural resource to help improve your soils overall health. Happy gardening!