As it breaks down, straw reduces soil’s nitrogen level, so apply a nitrogen-rich fertilizer to counteract this process. Because it contains fewer weed seeds, straw is a better mulch than its close relative, hay. Use wheat straw to keep vegetable gardens neat in the summer and to insulate them against the cold in the winter (when as much as a 6-inch-deep layer is a good idea). Because cedar chips lose color fast, you may be tempted to layer them on, but as with most mulches, don’t go above a 3-inch layer. Fresh cedar can rob nitrogen from soil, so be sure to use aged chips in your garden. The cedar chips’ natural oil gives them a clean, fresh scent and deters common insect pests. These large golden-brown pieces of cedar-up to 4 inches long-have a lot of ornamental appeal and take much longer to decompose than shredded material. Carbon-rich bark is a good choice around shrubs and trees but less so for perennials. Because of its staying power, hardwood mulch is ideal for sloped beds and gardens in wet climates. Made of shredded bark from hardwood trees such as maples and oaks, this sturdy mulch compacts over time so it resists blowing or washing away. Spread a generous layer over your flower beds and vegetable patch.

This “black gold” doesn’t prevent weeds as well as woody mulches do, but it’s excellent for building up nutrients and repairing soil. Reserve this option for succulent-filled or cold-climate gardens. Stone absorbs more heat than organic material, making gravel a death sentence for some plants and a haven for others. These nuggets can be as large as 3 inches long and work best in flat beds, where they won’t float away during a heavy rain. For more a more decorative mulch, reddish-brown pine bark nuggets will give your garden a neat, natural look. Chips break down slowly and are best used around shrubs and trees to protect their roots. You can’t beat the price of wood chips, which many tree companies and townships give away for free. Read on to learn about the types of mulch and the benefits of each. When it comes to mulch, there are many options to choose from. What’s the secret to preventing weeds from sprouting? A 2-inch-deep topdressing applied once the ground thaws will do the trick.

Black triple shred mulch