Understanding Mulch - Magic in the Garden

Mulch is one of the most important things you can use in your garden and landscape. It has many benefits, is usually free or inexpensive, and easy to use. Gardener Scott discusses and demonstrates some of the best attributes of mulch: it helps retain soil moisture; it reduces weeds; it protects the trunks of trees and other plants; it moderates soil temperature; it helps to reduce soil compaction; it can help beautify your landscape; it can help improve soil and its nutrients; it reduces splashing of fungus and bacteria onto leaves.
Books on mulching:
"How to Mulch" amzn.to/2mN7TOd
"Weedless Gardening" amzn.to/2niZimV
As an Amazon affiliate I benefit from qualified purchases.

[@Maria-db9yb]

I love this guy so much. He is so well spoken, his voice is calming, he has great tips, and he speaks so clearly.

[@macysondheim]

So what, that don’t mean squat. His skill in the use of firearms, archery & bladed handheld weapons is the qualities I use to judge a man

[@keptyeti]

This would be a great video for someone studying English who happens to have an interest in gardening.

[@tangents6299]

Lol

[@lachinaaliaslauyuyuysantos8703]

😅😅 i can easily understand him. I'm from mexico.

[@shadyman6346]

He is clear with his thought.

[@kattasudhir]

He is very good orator.

[@recynd77]

And he has such a soothing voice.

[@NINA-tz8ug]

I've been watching you talk about mulch for 15 min and I just realized we have the same peacock!

[@ElGuzii]

You are an amazing teacher! I’m beginning to learn a lot about plants and soil. Thanks for all the info!

[@vicmurai1033]

The series of gardening videos created by Gardener Scott is the best that I have ever come across. I have been an avid gardener in excess of 60 years and I am so impressed by his knowledge of gardening and his ability to impart his gardening knowledge in simple comprehensible layman's terms. Thanks Gardener Scott. You should be teaching in an agricultural college.

[@cecekingskid]

Agree 100 percent. I cant believe I get to learn from this master.

[@AlexPlanetEarth]

Thank you Scott for perfect English and pure information.

[@lrocky223]

If I were still in high school, I'd love to have gardening be part of the curriculum in Home Economics (life skills). When my daughters are that age maybe I'll go pitch the idea to the school board. Gardener Scott would definitely be the yard stick every teacher would need to measure up to. Thanks buddy

[@P.Adams626]

My high school had a Horticulture class. I don’t think they still do that.

[@Josef_R]

You better start now if you're planning to convince a bunch of bureaucrats to do something beneficial. Waiting til YOUR kids need it is a recipe for failure.

[@missme1794]

Scott's garden is my happy place. I learn, I find his voice soothing. Like a kind teacher. And I retain the information. Thank you for making my quarantine sane!

[@conniedavidson1807]

I bought some straw for mulch and wound up with lots of grass in my garden. I had a lot left so I spread it out on a tarp and let the birds eat all the seeds. They loved it and now I have some really good mulch.

[@RashedHossain]

I could listen to this guy for hours

[@highlandscommunityclub1160]

Thank you, Gardener Scott. You’re the Mr. Rogers of Gardening!

[@magicfordummiez3382]

I like how simple and easy to understand this is. It's very organIzed information too.

[@GardenerScott]

Thank you.

[@ElevenBird]

I was at a state park where nothing was allowed to leave the park ... So EVERYTHING was left to compost The trails where everyone walked was like walking on a specialized track is was so spongy and perfect

[@nathalied.4202]

Thank you for speaking slowly and intelligibly, so I can easily understand you.

[@GardenerScott]

You are very welcome. Thank you.

[@craigkurker6242]

Thanks to your video Scott gold mine.! For 23 years I have been throwing leaves + grass clippings on the side of my drive way. Because of your videos a light went on,, when I raked it it looked like I hit the JACKPOT . Ŕich compost loaded with worms and night crawlers. Thanks to I have the nicest magic mulch. Thanks again.

[@marvinmulford2536]

We have a large lawn that's difficult to mow always the right time. After mowing lawn I use the hay rake and flat trailer to clean the lawn. The grass or clippings is used in the gardening area for compost or mulch depending on how long it's left on the lawn.

[@Mel-jt5fl]

You are definitely one of the best garden educators out there!!! Thank you!!

[@GardenerScott]

I appreciate that, Mel. Thanks!

[@abisu5273]

Agreed, it's a great lesson.. but I live in UK and stiil wary about mulch and slugs.

[@carollorenzano5411]

@@GardenerScott Can you please tell me why Florida Agriculture Institute does not recommend Cypress mulch for garden beds ??

[@carlosmendez-xq7wx]

Greatings fron Argentina!!! What a gardener you are!! Congratulations

[@GardenerScott]

Thank you, Carlos.

[@ilonailona9786]

The best explanation of mulch!

[@mhpreach]

Enjoy your videos. I was a Master Gardner in Illinois. Your videos are some of the best instructional messages I’ve watched.

[@christychu2853]

Thank you for this informative video!

[@srkchaxy]

Very clear and detailed. My go to Mulch guide going forward for all times

[@GardenerScott]

Thanks.

[@jeromegrant6611]

Pgmltp 🙏🙏♥️🙏😄😄😄

[@weirdheathersgarden]

I mulch under my strawberries and squashes to stop them touching the ground and rotting. Also for containers that dry out quickly, plus my garlic bed. I just use shredded paper as I can get lots of it for free, tho I add autumn leaves too when I have them. The paper does tend to matt though, so I have to break it up every now and then to make sure water can still get through.

[@simonmichell7]

Excellent video. Thank you very mulch!

[@homesteadinglee2067]

I absolutely love and enjoy your videos my friend.

[@vernonfrerichs7486]

Enjoy all the teachings very educational

[@conniegonzalez6068]

Thank you so much for all the information 👍🏼

[@MuhammadUsman-xg4yn]

You are really amazing agriculture field teacher.

[@karenoneill3940]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge of compost, I learned a lot!

[@badeds100]

Great video!

[@savtajsingh88]

Best explanation of mulch....

[@charliepugh9436]

I'm so glad I discovered you with such valuable information. Thank You

[@ilovetiananmen]

I used rubber mulch for playground. It works great!

[@feliciamason8112]

Well explained. Thank you so much.

[@barbaraperry2796]

That was awesome, thank you!

[@ruthwolf7697]

Thank you Gardener Scott! I love watching your videos, so informative. You are a great teacher!

[@yessicaperez3407]

Thank you for the video!!!🥰🥰🥰

[@llilililli]

I am not that much interested in gardening to watch the whole 18mins video. But I love the way you speak and pronounce English and it made me finish this video. Keep up the great job.

[@rafa106900]

Excellent video explaining mulch. Thank you very much.

[@GardenerScott]

You're very welcome.

[@dianac2596]

Best informational video I’ve seen. Very easy to listen to. Thank you.

[@GardenerScott]

Thank you for such a nice comment.

[@iloveanthropology]

Outstanding gardening educator.

[@GardenerScott]

Thank you!

[@duncanmaina7491]

Your exposition is always very clear and easy to follow. I am learning alot from your videos.

[@makprav]

Very useful information. Thanks a lot.

[@delroylee653]

Great advice thanks

[@carolynblack1060]

Again thank you for sharing your knowledge with us. So very helpful. Blessings

[@GardenerScott]

You are so welcome

[@4shehadeh]

Thank you for a clear explanation. I have learned a lot from you.

[@GardenerScott]

Glad I can help.

[@malibu405]

Excellent, thank you 😊

[@govindasgarden]

Very helpful. Thank you!

[@evaolsson141]

I like your anti stress performance....This world is a crazy stress place. And your knowledge about the garden 👊👍💚

[@SUBRAMANIAN.]

Excellent Explanation and Pronunciation

[@GardenerScott]

Thank you.

[@LOURDZ]

Thank you so much for sharing this video , this is very useful to all gardeners, Now i will try to make for mulch and spread on the area where i do planting root crops.

[@georgeandraos6725]

Well done! Bravo!

[@GardenerScott]

Thanks!

[@kukana228]

Great video. I can see I need to think more about some of the choices I make in my garden. Thank you.

[@GardenerScott]

Thanks.

[@natefidalgo7625]

Great video

[@nasirhussain4201]

Very helpful video thanks 😊 👍

[@zetty12428]

Very well explained. Thank you.

[@GardenerScott]

Thanks.

[@guillermone1]

Very well explained. Very few people take the time to be explicit with the information provided to the viewer. I have seen so many videos that are such a waste of time that its pathetic. However, Garderner Scott really did a great job.

[@GardenerScott]

Thank you very much.

[@skittles9970]

You're a great teacher! Thanks for the info! Just in time, too!

[@GardenerScott]

Thank you.

[@dnyaneshwarkolekar3506]

Very good 👍👍 information . Thank you sir.

[@Truthseeker21000]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge Scott. I am a trainee gardener and youtube channels such as yours' are helping me greatly improve my knowledge and understanding of gardening. Best wishes and keep up the good work my friend!

[@GardenerScott]

Thanks. I'm so glad you find it all helpful.

[@heethn]

Thanks for another informative video. For me, free is best so I use dead leaves and grass clippings primarily. The nitrogen boost from the grass clippings is like magic. I do use the rubber stuff in some areas that I don't want anything to grow. Bluejays....14:22!

[@Sean-ck7zl]

I’m very new to gardening and growing things in general. I’ve grown things in previous years, but now I’ve decided to take it much more seriously. This was very informative!!

[@samuelharper4596]

Dear Scott thank you for your reply I will study your videos and try to obtain the knowledge that I require thank you Sam

[@BD-cu4cq]

Excellent video on mulch and its benefits. As an organic Gardner myself, I consider this video extremely informative. A must see by every Gardner. ! Thank you Scott.

[@wickedvic6953]

Very educational. 👍 Never gave any thought to different mulching.

[@GardenerScott]

Thanks! 🙂

[@rosebud4387]

Great presentation with good information Thanks.

[@GardenerScott]

Thank you.

[@dianed.1950]

Just discovered your videos. I’ve been binge watching them. Love how you explain everything. I live in 🇨🇦 in a zone 3 however lots of your methods are relevant & useful to me. Thanks for all the great videos, keep them coming. 👏🌺🌷🍁🌼🌸🌞

[@GardenerScott]

Thanks! Zone 3 can be tough. I'm glad I can help.

[@GardenDiscovery]

I'm a huge fan of mulch for all the reasons you gave, I use mostly cedar mulch. I still get alot of weeds but I find they're not as well rooted where mulched so easy to pull out the roots. And in those areas where im weeding, I sure can tell how rich the soil has become. Thanks for the video.

[@carllopresti697]

Ultra informative.tks Scott

[@GardenerScott]

Thank you.

[@guitarnguyen]

Many Thanks.

[@tennesseenana4838]

I'm in zone 6b/7a with compacted clay soil that mainly 'grows' rocks. Thank you for your easy to understand information. I'll be getting some mulch and putting that over cardboard for a pollinator planting area.

[@b3vang]

Very information, great tips!

[@GardenerScott]

Thanks!

[@deborahlopez7147]

This was the best video I've ever seen on mulch. I could never really figure out how to use it or how it helped. Now I know exactly what to get and how to use it. Thanks so much

[@GardenerScott]

You're very welcome.

[@ilonailona9786]

100% in agreement with this comment.

[@Inkling777]

In the South, where pine trees are common, we often use pine needles for mulch. It clumps together, so it is easy to put down and is less likely to blow or wash away. And the rain passes through easily..

[@GardenerScott]

I like pine needles and use them a lot under my strawberries and in my garden paths.

[@user-fi4rn6hr4r]

Pine needles add acidity to the soil. It is only good for acid- loving plants

[@KeithMacKayHome]

@@user-fi4rn6hr4r this seems logical, but surprisingly studies have shown that the amount of acid in the needles is tiny relative to the amount of organic matter...so it doesn't change the pH of the soil.

[@junedewar3551]

@@GardenerScott My trees and rhododendrons have powdery mildew caused by many slugs and other insects. For that reason I am clearing all leaves from the ground and spraying leaves. I think perhaps the leaves would be a good mulch only if they were not diseased. Maybe when I am sure this problem is dealt with I should use a good mulch?

[@GardenerScott]

@@junedewar3551 I suggest always using mulch. Low soil moisture is one of the causes of powdery mildew and mulch can help keep soil moist.

[@junnielaine4208]

I got my wood chip drop today 2 days after I posted. I am so thrilled and they guy told us that they just got new blades so the chips are really nice where before when I have gotten them there were huge hunks and limbs etc. this definitely is the best quality and I feel so thankful for it and thanks to you for your great videos.

[@Braedenfish]

Be very thankful, we gave up after 2 years .... still found free source ...leaves!

[@sambyrne7542]

Great video, thanks very mulch

[@angelicargz4813]

What a fantastic, clear and complete explanation of mulch. Thank you very much! You have a new sub 😊

[@GardenerScott]

Thanks, Angelica. Welcome to the channel!

[@arndpelzer1227]

Hello Scott, so far I followed a couple of your very informative videos and since I started with mulching last year, I clearly see the benefits. Your videos and recommendations help to improve the way I am doing things.

[@GardenerScott]

Hi. I'm very glad you find them useful.

[@HBFREEWORLD]

Excellent informative video . Thank you ....

[@GardenerScott]

Thanks!

[@kathleenosullivan8601]

Thank You for this clear & concise explanation of mulch & how it’s used! I’ve always used straw. Except for the seeds sprouting, it’s great for all the reasons you explained. Thx!!

[@GardenerScott]

You're welcome.

[@maureenpereira270]

Hi Gardener Scott you left nothing out. A well thought out and easily understood video. You made the explanations so simple but I think a lot of thought and work may have gone into the making of this. Thank you and God bless.

[@GardenerScott]

You're welcome. Thank you.

[@CHANTIP]

thank you.......

[@jameslawson7225]

Very educational video.👍

[@GardenerScott]

Thank you.

[@gayeoneill1594]

There is a school yard close by that I used to take my grandson to. It uses rubber mulch. It’s great for softening falls, but stinks to high heaven on a hot summer day!

[@capicuaaa]

Mulch is incredibly important in the context of climate change, desertification and lack of rain. Soil should never be bare. Cover it with compost, leaves, leaf litter, wood chips, heck, even pine bark, but make sure to cover it. The benefits are enormous. Thank you for making an informative video on the subject.

[@nickthegardener.1120]

Love mulch! In England I'm using grass clippings.👍

[@ilonailona9786]

I just got a small allotment and will try mulching. It has stones mixed with soil already from previous tenant, so inorganic mulch, I will explore it further what I can do about it and how I can bring the benefit out of it. After watching this educational video, I feel more positive.

[@emkn1479]

My parents bought rubber mulch years ago, and at the time it seemed like a big money and time saver. Now they regret that the soil hasn’t improved because it didn’t allow for natural amending. I’m glad I learned that before I did the same! We utilize free arborist wood chips and I’m working on planting lots of ground covers to cut down on mulching needs.

[@capicuaaa]

Rubber mulch?! That sounds incredibly toxic and just nuts. Can't believe that's even a thing...

[@guillermone1]

I have a few big trees in my back yard. I use whatever is freely available and falls off and I can rake off the ground. I use to throw out everything, the leaves, dry branches and grass clippings, until one day I woke up and realize the mistake. Today I simple chop it up with my lawn mower, and whatever I am unable to reduce down to a reasonable size I burn it and turn it into ashes and mix it with my mulch. I achieved many things. Helped the environment, reduced land fill, enriched and improved the soil, saved money on fertilizers and today have a beautiful and healthy backyard.

[@GardenerScott]

All good things. Thanks for sharing.

[@toneyjohnson8910]

I have just change my garden in to all raised beds and am testing different mulches leaves and straw and looking for other ideas. Great video

[@GardenerScott]

Thanks.

[@santoshkr9303]

great INFO...

[@GardenerScott]

Thank you.

[@elberthardy961]

I love mulch. I did see a great use for rubber mulch: a play ground. Kids can fall and even do tumbling on it without being hurt. But I don't want any on or anywhere near my gardens. Thank you for another really good video.

[@GardenerScott]

That's a good example of the right mulch for the right purpose. Thanks.

[@Braedenfish]

Be advised my Godson had his shoes and socks turn blue at daycare for weeks after playspace installation, so if ur buying for home use, ask about "colorfastness".... as many non toxic products may not stay put.

[@Ms.Byrd68]

I actually did that after a couple of years in my new home, removed the ROCKS/Gravel and replaced it with Bark Mulch (landscape not veggies) and I still have the Rocks, mainly because I realized they are expensive but I don't know what to do with them, so he's right be mindful of what you decide to use...

[@prekeujkaj1625]

I think you are professor in the garden you should make a book for public to sell in amazon will quickly find yourself soon rich man

[@thisismoraira]

Great Video!!

[@GardenerScott]

Thanks!

[@ABamaGardener]

Please, Please add to this video sourcing your organic mulches. For instance, Straw now-a-days is dried using Round-up just before cutting. This can leach into your soil. Hay they use Grazon. this stays viable even thru manure and composting and will distort your veggies. Grasses may have all the typical chemicals a home owner feeds their lawns with. In my state of Alabama it is very hard to find "Chemical Free" mulches anymore. This year I looked toward Mother Nature and just picked up some live oak leaves. Normally they are a pain because they dont break down fast at all but, as a mulch they are working fantastic covering the soil and keeping it cool and for the most part are staying in place.

[@vincentlebrun1335]

I like this guy's videos so mulch! 😎

[@dzandbergen2]

youtube finds it important that i am not confused about mulch since its in my recommendations

[@brendachisholm2325]

Super suggestions

[@GardenerScott]

Thanks!

[@Meta-Drew]

My local landscaping supply sells a 'mixed mulch' which is all of their bad looking old stuff - it ends up being about half compost half wood chips. I spread it around and after a rain all the compost goes to the bottom and the chips stay on top - I'm slowly trying to build a no dig(back to eden-ish?) garden and this stuff already being broken down really speeds up the process, I don't have good soil at all but things grow amazingly under those chips. Getting a yard for $10 is a great deal in my opinion

[@dustyflats3832]

🤣I'm doing a Gardner Scott marathon and the peacock was in the garden in last video and now in yard! He's following you.

[@marshallwebdesignwilson3667]

I'm going to a local tree cutting business to get some free mulch later today.