The essentials for living your best life.
The essentials for living your best life.
Organic mulch helps a vegetable garden retain soil moisture, protect soil structure, and limit weeds, but the best material depends on the crop, season, and bed use. For related guidance, see [how to build healthy garden soil](/how-to-build-healthy-garden-soil/), [composting basics for home gardens](/composting-basics-for-home-gardens/), and [how to water a vegetable garden efficiently](/how-to-water-a-vegetable-garden-efficiently/).
Summer heat waves can dry out raised beds fast, but the right watering strategy keeps plants healthy and thriving. Learn how to water deeply, time it right, and use mulch to help your garden beat the heat with less waste.
Cardboard can be a smart, low-disturbance way to smother weeds and build new beds when it’s used carefully. Choose plain, uncoated cardboard, wet it well, and top it with organic mulch for the best results and fewer problems.