3. Mulch

Wonderful mulch, the easiest and most underrated soil protector and builder. Mulch around your plants and trees for long-term benefits.

Mulch is shredded organic material placed in thick layers on the surface of the soil, breaking down in situ, building soil, feeding soil organisms, and protecting the soil from erosion while helping retain soil moisture. As it breaks down into the soil, you simply add more.

Because it sits on top of the soil, mulch also suppresses weeds quite effectively.

Mulch materials are often available for free in your community—from waste piles in your parks or from the city or country maintenance services.

Mulch is usually either “slow,” made of high-carbon material that breaks down slowly and adds carbon to the soil (like wood chips), or feed mulch, high in nitrogen that breaks down quickly and feeds the soil organisms.