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Adding mulch to your garden beds is an essential step in maintaining healthy plants and productive soil. Mulch not only helps retain moisture and keeps weeds at bay, but it also protects plant roots from temperature fluctuations. However, purchasing mulch can get pricey, especially if you have large garden beds to cover.

Mulching involves adding a protective layer over the soil, which is especially beneficial for garden beds. This layer regulates soil temperature, minimizes weed growth, and locks in moisture, contributing to stronger plants and better yields. While there are many mulch materials to choose from, not all are budget-friendly or suitable for every garden type.

To help you mulch effectively and affordably, here are ten budget-friendly mulch options that will keep your garden beds thriving.

Here are the ten best mulch options for your garden beds.

Compost

composting food scraps and eggshells
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Compost is an excellent mulch choice for garden beds, especially vegetable gardens, as it enriches the soil with vital nutrients while providing a protective layer. It improves soil structure and promotes healthy plant growth by slowly releasing nutrients over time.

Shredded Leaves

dead leaves
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Using shredded or dried leaves as mulch is a great way to add nutrients to your garden beds. These leaves slowly decompose, enriching the soil without needing synthetic fertilizers. They’re perfect for naturally feeding your plants and improving soil structure over time.

Related: How to Mulch a Vegetable Garden

Fresh Grass Clippings

grass clippings
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Chemical-free, fresh-cut grass is a nitrogen-rich mulch, especially beneficial for leafy greens in your garden beds. Grass clippings help suppress weeds and retain moisture, but be sure to spread them in a thin layer to prevent waterlogging issues.

Related: 7 Natural Ways to Add Nitrogen to Your Garden Soil

Bark or Wood Chips

Seasonal works in the garden. Landscape design. Gardening. Ornamental shrub juniper.

Bark or wood mulch is a durable option that works well in garden beds. It effectively suppresses weeds, helps retain moisture, and gradually improves soil structure as it breaks down over time.

Stones and Gravels

beautiful backyard garden
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For a longer-lasting mulch option, stones and gravel are excellent for weed suppression in garden pathways or decorative areas around your beds. Although they can be pricier, they are ideal for areas where you want a permanent mulch solution.

Garden Fabric or Burlap

landscape fabric
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Garden fabrics, burlap, or even large coffee bean bags can act as effective weed barriers in garden beds. This option is particularly useful around perennial plants, shrubs, and trees you won’t regularly replant. Landscape fabric also helps retain moisture while keeping weeds at bay.

Sawdust

sawdust mulch
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Untreated sawdust can be used as mulch along pathways or around established plants. However, avoid using thick layers close to plant stems, as sawdust tends to compact and could prevent water and nutrients from reaching roots.

Newspaper

old newspaper
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Layering newspapers under other mulch materials can help suppress weeds while gradually decomposing to enhance soil structure. It’s an affordable, easy-to-source option that works well when covered with leaves, straw, or compost.

Pine Needles

pine cone on ground- Image Credit: Deposit Photos
Image Credit: Deposit Photos

Pine needles, or pine straw, work well as a mulch, especially for acid-loving plants. They decompose slowly, adding a slight acidity to the soil, which benefits plants like blueberries and tomatoes.

Cardboard Boxes

cardboard boxes
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Cardboard is widely available, easy to apply, and an eco-friendly mulch option. Layering cardboard under other mulch materials can suppress weeds and improve soil structure as it breaks down.

How to Start a Herb Garden from Scratch

green rosemary plants in flowerpots
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Growing something as simple as our own herbs is a huge step towards sustainability. You can begin the process in a small space in the kitchen or backyard with some of your favorite herbs. Here are some simple but practical steps to get you started on your own herb garden.

How to Start a Herb Garden from Scratch

How to Prepare Your Vegetable Garden for Winter

woman planting vegetable garden
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As the days get shorter and the temperatures start to dip, it’s time to start thinking about preparing your vegetable garden for the winter. By taking some simple steps now and following our fall garden checklist, you can ensure your garden is healthy and productive come spring.

Preparing Your Vegetable Garden for Winter

How to Plant a Fall Garden

woman checking on her garden
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A well-planned fall vegetable garden can keep your season going well into the cooler months. Depending on your location and the tools you use, your garden could last right up through December!

How to Plant a Fall Garden

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