This post may contain affiliate links .

Share this post or pin it for later !

add up mulch to your garden beds is an indispensable dance step in maintaining level-headed plants and fertile grunge . Mulch not only assist hold back wet and keeps weeds at bay , but it also protects plant ascendant from temperature fluctuation . However , purchasing mulch can get dear , specially if you have turgid garden beds to deal .

garden bed mulch ideas

Image Credit: Deposit Photos

Mulching require adding a protective layer over the soil , which is especially good for garden bed . This bed regulate dirt temperature , minimizes weed growth , and locks in moisture , contributing to stronger flora and better production . While there are many mulch material to choose from , not all are budget - friendly or suitable for every garden case .

To help you mulch efficaciously 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 .

garden bed mulch alternative

Compost

Compostis an splendid mulch choice for garden beds , especially veg gardens , as it enriches the dirt with lively nutrients while providing a protective layer . It improves filth structure and promotes healthy plant outgrowth by slowly releasing nutrients over time .

Shredded Leaves

Using shredded or dry out leaves as mulch is a majuscule way of life to add nutrients to your garden bed . These leaves slowly disintegrate , enrich the territory without take semisynthetic fertiliser . They ’re pure for naturally feeding your works and improving soil structure over time .

Related : How to Mulch a Vegetable Garden

Fresh Grass Clippings

Chemical - detached , smart - cut grass is a N - rich mulch , especially good for leafy greens in your garden beds . Grass trim help suppress weeds and retain moisture , but be certain to spread them in a thin layer to preclude waterlogging issues .

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

Bark or Wood Chips

Bark or wood mulch is a durable option that work well in garden beds . It in effect repress grass , help keep moisture , and gradually meliorate soil structure as it breaks down over clock time .

Stones and Gravels

For a longer - lasting mulch choice , stones and crushed rock are splendid for dope curtailment in garden pathways or decorative country around your beds . Although they can be pricier , they are ideal for areas where you require a lasting mulch solution .

Garden Fabric or Burlap

Garden fabrics , burlap , or even large coffee tree bean bags can do as in force weed barriers in garden beds . This option is specially useful around recurrent plant life , shrubs , and trees you wo n’t on a regular basis replant . Landscape fabric also aid continue moisture while keeping weeds at Laurus nobilis .

Sawdust

Untreated sawdust can be used as mulch along pathway or around established plants . However , head off using thick layers tight to plant life stem , as sawdust tends to pack and could keep weewee and nutrients from reaching roots .

Newspaper

Layering newspapers under other mulch materials can help oneself subdue weeds while gradually decompose to enhance soil structure . It ’s an affordable , easy - to - source option that work well when deal with leaves , pale yellow , or compost .

Pine Needles

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

Cardboard Boxes

Cardboard is widely available , easygoing to utilize , and an eco - well-disposed mulch choice . Layering composition board under other mulch material can conquer Mary Jane and improve grease bodily structure as it breaks down .

How to Start a Herb Garden from Scratch

Growing something as dewy-eyed as our own herb is a immense step towards sustainability .   you’re able to begin the cognitive operation in a small blank space in the kitchen or backyard with some of your preferred herbs . Here are some simple but practical steps to get you begin on your own herbaceous plant garden .

How to Prepare Your Vegetable Garden for Winter

As the twenty-four hours get shortsighted and the temperature start to dip , it ’s fourth dimension to begin thinking about preparing your vegetable garden for the winter . By taking some unsubdivided steps now and following our declension garden checklist , you could ensure your garden is tidy and rich come spring .

Preparing Your Vegetable Garden for Winter

How to Plant a Fall Garden

A well - planned dusk vegetable garden can keep your time of year going well into the coolheaded calendar month . Depending on your locating and the tools you apply , your garden could last right up through December !

10 Cheap Mulch Ideas for Your Garden Beds Pin

composting food scraps and eggshells

dead leaves

grass clippings

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

beautiful backyard garden

landscape fabric

sawdust mulch

old newspaper

pine cone on ground- Image Credit: Deposit Photos

cardboard boxes

green rosemary plants in flowerpots

woman planting vegetable garden

woman checking on her garden