Use Mulch to Absorb Water

Some Effort

Using mulch to absorb water helps to retain moisture in your soil & keeps plants happy

Including mulch as part of your gardening routine will help to protect soil, retain soil moisture, and keep weeds at bay. Mulch acts as a blanket over your soil that cuts down on erosion and protects plant roots from temperature changes. Adding mulch over top of bare soil and around other plants reduces runoff by absorbing water – helping to cut water costs and keep pollutants out of our waterways!

A photo of a person placing mulch on the ground

Who Should do This?

Anyone can do this at any time. Mulch can be added to the top of soil for new and old plantings and can be added over any bare spots in your current landscaping.

How Long will it Take?

Depends on how much area you need to cover; small areas may only take a few minutes and larger areas may take a few hours.

How Much does it Cost?

Many cities in Orange County give away mulch for free a few times per year – check with your city to find out more. Sometimes tree trimming companies also give away mulch, so be sure to search the web for options near you. Otherwise, commercially purchased mulch typically starts at $4 per 2 cubic feet. Calculate how much mulch you need. If you are interested in doing a complete OC Garden Friendly overhaul of your existing landscape, see if you are eligible for an OC Garden Friendly landscape rebate. To protect the health of your yard, make sure you purchase mulch that is labeled as pest and disease free.

What are the Benefits?

Increases soil nutrition
Reduces soil erosion & weeds
Reduces amount of water needed

What is needed to get started?

Mulch – certain types are better for different plants. Mulches Vary in Their Benefits and Drawbacks, find which is best for yours.
Shovel and/or rake
Gardening gloves

Did You Know?

Healthy, biologically-diverse mulch contains microbes that create the protective layer that is beneficial for soils. At the proper depths, mulch insulates soils and plant roots from temperature changes and reduces weeds by preventing sunlight from reaching the seeds. There are many different types of mulches and the best one for you depends on the type of plant – see below for resources to find what is best.