Sounds boring; isn't. Wondering how to grow a native garden? You might be surprised at the importance of a seemingly mundane addition: mulch. We cover all things mulch this week — and it's way more interesting than even they expected.

Learn:

• 3 main ways mulch helps your garden
• Where to find free organic mulch
• Why is living mulch the coolest thing ever?

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Sources

• Evolution of Hardwood Mulch article: https://www.ruppertlandscape.com/evolution-hardwood-mulch/
• Mulch as a Drylands Strategy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o1cgx33E3LM 
• University of Michigan leaf mulch study: https://archive.lib.msu.edu/tic/mitgc/article/199866b.pdf 
• University of California Cooperative Extension water retention and mulch study: https://ucanr.edu/media/305486
• Plants journal: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10975533/ 
• University of California pamphlet: https://ucanr.edu/sites/default/files/2026-02/UCANR%20Mulches%20for%20Landscapes%20by%20Downer%20and%20Faber.pdf 
• Gardening Know How on eco-friendly mulch: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/mulch/best-eco-friendly-mulch 
• Growing a Greener World on mulch certification: https://www.growingagreenerworld.com/is-your-mulch-safe-heres-how-to-find-out/ 
• Mulch and Soil Council guide: https://mulchandsoilcouncil.org/pdf/Education/2013_Mulch_Selection_Guidev3.pdf 
• Edge of the Woods Nursery on living mulch: https://edgeofthewoodsnursery.com/living-mulch-part-one-an-ecological-alternative-to-wood-mulch 

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