I knew that having mulch in the garden was a good thing because it prevents weeds and reduces evaporation but I found more reasons why you should love mulch...
1. Mulch smothers weeds. The bark, wood chips, pine needles, etc prevent small weeds from growing and stealing stealing food and water from your plants (hence, less weed picking on a hill).
2. Mulch helps you conserve water. It allows water to permeate the soil and reduce evaporation.
3. Mulch regulates temperature. It prevents the soil and your plants from being exposed to extreme fluctuations in temperature.
4. Mulch contributes organic matter. While the mulch is breaking down and decomposing, it provides nutrients to the soil and keeps it healthy. This prevents diseases.
5. Mulch makes the ground pretty and consistent.
Placing mulch two to four inches deep is more than enough. You don't want to limit the supply of oxygen to the roots of your plants.
