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Why mulch?

There are some very good reasons to mulch, and these all make us a big fan of mulching our garden. We happen to mulch with grass cuttings from our lawn. Here are our reasons for mulching with grass clippings, in descending order of importance:
  1. Better moisture retention. Water moves rather quickly through the grass clippings, but its evaporation is retarded by those same clippings. As a result, less watering is required and the plants fare better during dry periods and/or between waterings because the soil retains its moisture longer. The soil is therefore more evenly moist, causing less stress to the plants.
  2. Weed suppression. It is more difficult for weeds to grow well since they have to work their way up through the layer of mulch if they start in the dirt. If they start in the mulch itself, they are easier to pick out (because the roots aren't initially embedded in dirt) and they have to work their roots down through the mulch to get to the dirt (which isn't a big deal for plants, but every little bit helps). Furthermore, after the mulch has been there for a while, it settles and compresses into a stiffer thatch that is more difficult (but certainly not impossible) for weeds to penetrate in their quest for sun.
  3. Less dirt splash on the plants during rains. This is one way in which soil-borne diseases can attack plants.
  4. More even bed temperature. The thatch ameliorates the temperature swings between day and night. In addition, the heat of decomposition should actually provide additional heat in the direct area of the plant.
  5. Less erosion from both water (primarily) and wind (secondarily).
  6. Fertilizer. The slowly decomposing grass eventually adds nutrients to the garden soil. On the other hand, some Nitrogen from the soil is used during decomposition.
  7. Recycling. You're using your grass clippings instead of throwing them away. (Or you could compost them)
  8. Less mud on your shoes when you have to step in to the garden.
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