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July 15, 2024Jefferson City, Mo. |  By: Jeremy Werner

MU Extension Office: Mulching can help cool soil

mulch

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. - While mulching may not be at the top of your to-do list during the summer, it can greatly benefit your garden.

According to the University of Missouri Extension Office, maintaining 2-4 inches of organic mulch helps keep soil cool, promotes root growth, curbs moisture loss, and prevents weed germination by blocking sunlight.

Mulch also improves soil structure as it decomposes and adds nutrients. Officials recommend using pine bark or shredded cypress over hardwood mulches for best results, particularly for annual flowerbeds.

Dried grass clippings are also effective, but be cautious if herbicides were used on the lawn. Hardwood bark, available in bulk, decomposes quickly and may require additional nitrogen fertilizer during the growing season.

"Sour mulch" can result from improper decomposition and may harm plants. Good mulch should smell like freshly cut wood or good garden soil, not ammonia or sulfur.

While sour mulch is rare, it's important to check mulch quality before application.