mulch
A protective covering, usually of organic matter such as leaves, straw, or bark, placed around plants to prevent weed growth and retain soil moisture.
As a noun, the material itself; as a verb, the act of applying this material. It acts as a physical barrier on top of the soil, unlike compost which is mixed in.
Word relationships
- ground cover: Ground cover can refer to living plants that spread over the ground, whereas mulch is strictly non-living material applied to the surface.
Commonly confused with
- compost: Compost is decomposed organic matter mixed into the soil to enrich it, while mulch is a protective layer laid on top of the soil.
Word family
- mulching (noun): The act of applying mulch to soil.
Collocations
- organic mulch
- bark mulch
- apply mulch
- shredded mulch
Example sentences
- "Spreading a thick layer of organic mulch around your flowerbeds will keep the soil cool and damp during hot summer days." A gardening tip for water conservation.
- "The landscaper recommended that we mulch the base of the young trees to protect them from lawnmower damage." A landscaping invoice detail.
Memory hook
Think of 'mushy' leaves 'mulched' together to protect the ground—mulch is mushy, protective stuff. Mulch is a moisture-saving blanket.
When not to use
Do not confuse with soil or fertilizer; mulch is laid on top of the soil as a protective blanket, not integrated into it to feed the plants directly.
Fun facts
- While wood bark is the most common mulch, some commercial farmers use colored plastic mulch—red plastic mulch has been shown to increase tomato yields by reflecting specific light wavelengths back up to the plant.
Related words
Explore more words
compost, biodegradable, biomass, Plastic, slash-and-burn, decomposer
Also appears in
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