In a July garden, mulching is ever more important. Spread a layer of straw, pine needles, or grass clippings (not treated with herbicide) and voilà your soil holds more moisture and less weeds germinate. Mulch feeds your soil as it breaks down. Some studies show mulching increases soil moisture by up to 50%. Mulch lessens hail damage preventing hail from bouncing up off the soil causing more damage. But in our dry heat, mulch is just plain essential. Think of mulching as a sunscreen, snack bar, and a cozy blanket for your roots.
Growing Home - Mulch
