How to Mulch. If that corner garden has become an unsightly
jungle, this guide will help control those weeds while protecting your plants from the
summer heat. You will need Grass clippings Dead leaves
Bark chips Compost Inorganic mulch Fertilizer Manure and wire tomato baskets. Step 1. Choose either organic mulch that will provide
your garden with nutrients or inorganic mulch that can withstand the elements and not decompose. Step 2. Collect organic mulches around your yard such
as grass clippings, dead leaves, bark chips, and composted fruits and vegetables from the
kitchen. Start a compost pile to provide your garden
or flower beds with an endless supply of minerals and nutrients. Step 3. Purchase inorganic mulch such as crushed stone,
plastic chips, and glass beads from home and garden centers. Inorganic mulches are best in high traffic
or heavily-used areas such as playgrounds or hiking paths. Step 4. Mulch after the ground has warmed as covering
the soil too early could trap cold, moist air; it can also stunt plant growth and allow
diseases to flourish. Step 5. Weed and aerate the soil before applying your
mulch. Mix in any fertilizer or manure at this time. Step 6. Protect small plants and seedlings using wire
tomato baskets and keep 1 inch of open soil around the plant. Step 7. Apply 2 to 4 inches of bark, wood chips, and
grass clippings. Apply 3 to 4 inches of leaves and compost. Reinforce over the season and enjoy the favor
you're doing your garden. Did you know According to the Environmental
Protection Agency, yard debris and leftover food scraps make up 26 percent of the solid
waste in U.S. landfills.