Mulch Type

 

Availability

 

Characteristics

 

Bark chipsPurchase in bags at garden centersWeed-free; long-lasting; moderately good at smothering small weeds; not as good at conserving moisture as most other mulches; attractive to some peopleCompostMake your own, get free from yard waste sites, or buy at garden centersNutrient-rich; usually weed-free; prevents disease; excellent mulch for vegetable bedsGrass clippingsFree whenever you or your neighbors mow; do not use clippings from lawns treated with weedkillersUsually weed-free; excellent at smothering weeds; thick layers of fresh clippings may heat up, so apply only 1/2-inch thick and not near stems of young plantsHayCut your own, collect along roadsides, or buy in balesMay contain weed seeds; good at smothering weeds; salt hay is gathered in marshes and will not bring in weedsHulls and shellsBagged for purchase, perhaps free where grown or processedIncludes hulls and shells of peanuts, buckwheat, cocoa bean and rice; weed-free; fairly rich in nutrients; best for smothering weed seedlings or keeping weeds out of weed-free areas; longevity variesLeavesFree for the raking; from neighbors alsoWeed-free except for occasional tree seeds; good at smothering weeds; hold in moisture very well; shred with lawnmower to prevent them from blowing awayPine needlesRake your own (although your pines would like them left in place); can be bought in some areasWeed-free; long-lasting; moderately good at smothering weeds; pretty; don’t worry about alleged pH effectsSawdustUsually free, but can be purchased by the truckloadWeed-free; long-lasting; good at smothering weed seedlings; avoid sawdust from pressure-treated or painted woodSeaweedOften collected or dumped for freeWeed-free; nutrient-rich; not long-lasting; excellent at smothering weeds when freshStoneUsually purchased; various rocks in various colorsWeed-free and essentially nutrient-free; mostly for paths, except perhaps around cactuses and other succulents; lasts almost forever but needs periodic weeding by raking or pluckingStrawPurchase baledShould be weed-free; replenish annually; very good at smothering weeds and holding soil moistureWood chipsPurchase or obtain free by truckloadWeed-free; moderately long-lasting; good at smothering weeds

Learn all about using natural, weed-free garden techniques that will save you time and labor and create a healthier, thriving garden in Weedless Gardening.