Mulch is a layer of material applied on the surface of soil with several key purposes:

• Conserving soil moisture: Mulch reduces evaporation by insulating the soil, helping it retain water and reducing the need for frequent watering

• Suppressing weeds: It blocks sunlight from reaching weed seeds, preventing their growth and reducing competition for nutrients and water

• Improving soil health and fertility: Organic mulches break down over time, adding nutrients and organic matter to the soil, enhancing soil structure and supporting beneficial organisms like worms

• Regulating soil temperature: Mulch insulates soil, keeping it warmer in early spring to encourage plant growth and cooler in summer to protect roots from heat

• Preventing soil erosion: It protects soil from being washed or blown away by rain or wind

• Protecting plants: Mulch can shield roots from extreme temperatures and reduce frost damage

• Aesthetic purposes: Mulch gives garden beds a neat, tidy, and attractive appearance

• Other benefits: Mulch can deter some pests, provide a barrier for edible crops to keep them clean, and support biodiversity by providing habitat for beneficial insects when left partially uncovered

Mulch materials can be organic (e.g., bark chips, straw, leaves) or inorganic (e.g., plastic sheeting, gravel), each with distinct advantages

. In summary, mulch is used to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, improve soil quality, regulate temperature, prevent erosion, protect plants, and enhance garden aesthetics. Applying mulch correctly maximizes these benefits while avoiding issues like over-mulching or piling mulch against plant stems