How to Mulch

December 15, 2014
Although there are plenty of gardening books in print that reserve a chapter or two for mulching, this user-friendly guide provides all the latest advice on the topic in one slender volume. Campbell, whose previous guides, including Let It Rot! (1998), have been best-sellers, covers the whys and whats, the types, and the hows of mulching in three easily readable sections. Beginning with the observation that there is no one right way to mulch, Campbell points to all the benefits of the practice, from retaining soil moisture to suppressing weeds, before discussing all the potential drawbacks, such as providing breeding grounds for unsavory critters like slugs and rodents. He then moves on to the pros and cons of such mulch materials as wood chips, biodegradable paper, and plastics before offering a wealth of useful tips on the dos and don'ts of mulch application techniques. Campbell's sound, experienced advice, supported by excellent illustrations, makes this handbook an indispensable one for both veteran and novice gardeners.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2014, American Library Association.)