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Understanding the Benefits of Garden Mulch Using mulch is a good gardening
habit but not mandatory; the benefits, however, make it worth the effort. A really good job of mulching your garden usually offers these benefits: · Inhibits weed germination and growth. (Weeds are not only unsightly, but they also steal resources from desirable garden plants!) · Holds in soil moisture, protecting your plants from drying out quickly · Moderates soil-temperature fluctuations (This benefit is especially valuable during that turbulent-weather period in spring when you don't want your plants to be stressed.) · In cold-winter areas, protects plant roots from winter cold and helps prevent frost-heaving, in which plants are literally pushed out of the ground by the natural expansion and contraction of the soil as it cools off and heats up · In hot-summer areas, helps keep plant roots cooler · Depending on what you use, adds a bit of welcome nutrition to your garden as it breaks down
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