Mulching is a gardening aid that kills three birds with one shot. Most important, it acts as an insulating layer, lowering the soil temperature, and thereby slowing down evaporation of moisture. Second, bacterial action in the soil is encouraged and the mulch breaks down into a rich, soil lightening material, which also increases the ability of the soil to hold water. Third, a thick layer of mulch smothers out grass and weeds and makes cultivation much easier.
Fibrous material which is often discarded may be piled into the beds and between rows in the garden. Grass and weeds, straw, prairie hay, hedge clippings, twigs from trees and overgrown shrubs, even shredded paper and sawdust, may be used to good advantage. The important thing: make the layer thick and keep adding to it as the mulch is decomposed.
