Landscape supplies, including mulch, help gardens thrive. For example, mulch keeps soil cool, retains moisture, suppresses weeds, and creates an attractive plant bed. It comes in many variants. The most suitable option depends on the plants you grow, the climate, and how low-maintenance you need it to be. Here are three popular types of this beneficial landscape supply and the benefits of each.

A Guide for Choosing Mulch

1. Wood Chips

Wood chips are inexpensive and attractive. They also have a pleasant aroma. They’re a long-lasting solution and weighty enough to withstand wind. You can compost wood chips or work them directly into the soil once past prime.

Avoid using wood chips, however, in vegetable beds or any beds you dig into every year. They’ll get in the way each time you replant unless you clear them each time and reapply.

2. Plastic

Many gardeners prefer plastic film to mulch their vegetable gardens because it creates a microclimate around three degrees warmer than the surrounding air. It’s effective at moisture retention and weed prevention. Because it remains dry, it prevents fruits and vegetables from rotting.

You can also use plastic for raised-bed gardens. Before mulching with plastic, lay irrigation hoses across the soil so your gardens have a steady supply of water. Weigh the plastic down with stones, and punch holes through it for seeds and transplants.

Avoid using plastic under shrubs. The film limits the penetration of water and air, leading to shallow shrub roots and poor plant performance.

3. Stones

Stones are a popular mulch alternative. Their weight prevents soil from eroding, and they’re better at suppressing weeds than lighter mulches.

With stones, gardeners must guard against excessive heat absorption and soil alkalinity. Stones absorb heat and speed the drying of soil in climates with limited rainfall. Stones, which leach alkaline substances into the ground, may also affect the health of plants and trees that need acidic soil to thrive. Because they rarely need replacing, they’re ideal if you’re not keen on mulching and want a low-maintenance cover.

When you need home and landscapes supplies, head to Ideal Supplies in Covington, KY. For over 50 years, they’ve been a favorite supplier of hardware and landscaping tools and accessories among homeowners and garden enthusiasts in Kenton County. They stock everything you need from power tools, hammers, and drills to mulch, paint, and concrete. If they don’t have what you seek, they’ll order it into the store for you at no extra charge. Drop in to meet the team, call the store at (859) 491-6666, or visit their website for more information about their building and landscape supplies.