Weeding. Watering. Soil improvement. Frost and heat protection. Wouldn't it be wonderful if these gardening chores could be simplified with one easy method? They can! For years, successful gardeners and landscapers have hailed mulching as the labor-saving way to reduce the need for weeding and watering, while at the same time it improves soil and protects plants from harsh weather. The Mulch Book shows you how to use mulching to your best advantage.

By covering soil with materials such as bark chips, stones, chopped hay, or special commercial mulches, gardeners can crowd out light and prevent weeds from growing. Moisture evaporation is significantly reduced when mulches are applied, so less watering is required. Organic mulches contribute valuable nutrients to the soil and help improve soil structure, for healthier, faster-growing plants. And mulch insulates the soil, offering protection against both frost and extreme heat.

The Mulch Book details everything you need to know about mulching, including:

* How much mulch to use

* When to apply mulch for maximum benefit

* What mulches best suit specific plants — an A to Z directory for fruits, vegetables, and ornamental plants

* Information on the newest mulching products, including geotextiles

* How to make your own mulch

* How to obtain mulches for free

A little mulching goes a long way in the garden or landscape. Discover for yourself the many benefits mulch has to offer you.

Details on how to use bark, stones, hay, compost, plastic sheeting, and other materials as a barrier to keep weeds out and beneficial elements in. Includes information that will allow readers to create their own mulches and select appropriate mulches for specific plants.

Includes bibliographical references (p. 113-114) and index.

Stu Campbell is an accomplished gardener, writer and skier who lives in Stowe, Vermont. He has written Storey's The Home Water Supply, The Mulch Book, Mulch It! and Improving Your Soil as well. Stu is also a compulsive composter--collecting piles of particularly attractive leaves from the side of the road! Stu Campbell is the author of Let it Rot! (a guide to home composting) and The Home Water Supply. He lives in Stowe, Vermont.

Preface

Chapter 1 Introduction

Chapter 2 Here's Why: The Benefits of Mulching

Chapter 3 To Give the Devils their Due: Some Drawbacks to Mulching

Chapter 4 A Few Definitions

Chapter 5 Types of Mulch

Chapter 6 Tips for Making the Most of Mulch

Chapter 7 Here's How with Vegetables

Chapter 8 Here's How with Fruits

Chapter 9 Here's How with Ornamentals

Epilogue

Quick-Reference Chart

End Notes

Bibliography

Where to Find Mulching Supplies

IndeX