Mulching Checklist

Plastic

• Black and red plastic mulch will increase the soil temperature, allowing you to plant summer crops earlier.
• Many soil-borne diseases can be greatly reduced or even eliminated by using plastic mulch.
• Weeds are reduced and crops often see an increased rate of growth compared with bare soilSpecifically, cucumbers, squash, melons, tomatoes, eggplants, and peppers do very well when planted over a plastic mulch.
• Because water can’t permeate the plastic, you will have to water your garden with a drip irrigation system or soaker hoses that are placed under the plastic.
• Expensive, difficult to remove, and not environmentally sustainable.
• Not as attractive as natural mulches.

Wood Chips

• Look lovely, last a long time, and are relatively inexpensiveBecause they last so long, they are a good choice for walkways and perennial beds.
• Do a good job suppressing weeds, but you should make sure you cover your planting beds with a covering of mulch that is at least three inches deep.
• Great at retaining moisture and keeping the soil temperature stable, but are less effective than plastic at preventing soil-borne diseases.
• As they break down, nitrogen is depleted from the top layer of soil, which means you may have to fertilize more often.
• Not the best choice for vegetable gardens because you will have to remove the mulch before putting in a new crop.

Pine Needles

• Last even longer than wood chips.
• Great for controlling moisture and deterring insect pests.
• Great for acid-loving plants like evergreens, hydrangeas, blueberry bushes, strawberries, and fruit treesThey are acidic and therefore will lower your garden’s pH over time
• A bit wispy, so require a thick layer to keep them in place and suppress weeds.

Straw

• In most areas straw is easy to find and very inexpensive.
• Is not the most attractive mulch, but is great for a backyard vegetable garden.
• Regulates moisture and keeps temperatures even.
• A thick layer will suppress weedsBe careful as some contain seeds that will sprout and grow in your garden.
• Quite desirable to rodents, slugs, and snailsIf these pests are a problem in your garden, straw might not be for you.