mulch

Any loose, usually organic material placed over the soil as a protective covering or for decorative purposes. Common mulches are ground bark, saw dust, leaves or straw. Roses benefit from a 2‑3 inch deep organic mulch such as pine bark, pine needles, leaf mulch, etc. Keep the mulch a few inches away from the stem of the plant.

Benefits of proper mulching:

1. Reduced watering requirements and less water stress due to
   • milder soil temperatures and
   • reduced evaporation.
2. Less disease from water splashing on the lower leaves of plant.
3. Fewer weeds because the mulch blocks some of the sunlight to weed seedlings.
4. Better soil as the mulch breaks down and adds organic matter to the top layer of soil.
5. Good soil structure because mulch will help stop soil compaction.