Use Mulch. Save Water.

Mulch mimics what grows ends up on the forest floor and creates an environment healthy for plants. Among other things, it shades roots from the sun, insulates from heat and cold, retains moisture, protects from damaging rain, encourages worms and microbial action near the surface, and adds nutrients to the soil as it decomposes.

It also will save you money on your watering bill.

With all the choices in mulch available, its hard to know which is right for you. Below we compare 5 of the most common types and let you know how to use each one.

Hardwood Mulch
Rich in Nutrients and has a pretty Dark Brown color that looks lush and healthy. If you're not sure what to get - this is the best all around winner. Apply this twice a year in March and November after the leaves fall. Hardwood Mulch lasts about 6 months. It's the best all-around Mulch. Great Dark color for aesthetics. Apply 2" - 4" thick.

Cotton Bur Compost
Very rich in nutrients. Good to mix with other mulches. Dark Brown to black in color. Great for re-establishing neglected beds. Use it when needed. It lasts about 2 - 3 months.Initial Bed Prep Mulch. Great first layer, then cover with other mulches. Great for "jumpstarting" mulching for organic programs. Apply 1" thick.

Cedar Mulch

Medium Brown and long lasting. May reduce bugs and snakes and vermin for the first month or so. Apply in March or April. This lasts about a year. Tends to stay put, so it's great for slopes. Also, helps repel bugs for about a month. Apply 2" - 4" thick.

Cypress Mulch
Tan when new, but weathers to a Silvery Gray. Long lasting, but has a tendency to float away. It lasts more than 2 years, if it doesn't float away. Re-apply when needed. Good for herbs, junipers and Xeriscape plants. Doesn't support fungal growth. When aged, the silver color goes well with cacti. Apply 2" - 4" thick.

Pine Bark Mulch
This is a poor mulch, but very decorative. It doesn't provide many nutrients, helps hide slugs and snails and isn't a good insulator. It also loves to float away in storms. This can last more than 5 years, but if not contained will definitely float away. Each piece is like a little boat. Re apply as necessary. Decorative use only. It's really a mulch that doesn't mulch well. Adds interesting and natural texture to low maintenance areas. Apply 2" - 4" thick.
Chuck Goecke