Plant Coverage vs. Mulch: Which Is Right for Your Beds?

When it comes to garden beds, what you choose to cover your soil with significantly impacts the health, appearance, and maintenance of your landscape. Whether you're a fan of lush groundcovers or a clean layer of mulch, both options offer real benefits but serve slightly different purposes. Let's break it down.

What Is Plant Coverage?

Plant coverage refers to low-growing, spreading plants, like groundcovers, creeping perennials, or even dense clusters of native species, that shield the soil from sun, wind, and erosion. These living covers protect and enrich the soil while adding visual interest to your beds.

• Benefits of Plant Coverage:
• Improves soil structure naturally through root systems
• Reduces weed pressure by blocking sunlight
• Creates habitat for beneficial insects and pollinators
• Adds texture and seasonal color to your landscape

What About Mulch?

Mulch is any loose material, typically shredded bark, wood chips, straw, or compost—spread over the surface of soil to protect and insulate it. While not alive, it is vital in maintaining bed health and appearance.

Benefits of Mulch:
- Regulates soil temperature in extreme heat or cold
- Retains moisture by limiting evaporation
- Suppresses weeds and reduces erosion
- Breaks down over time to add organic matter

So, Which Is Right for Your Beds?

In many cases, the answer is: both.

Well-established beds may benefit from a living groundcover that fills in over time, while newer or more exposed beds often need mulch's immediate protection and neatness. The right choice depends on soil, sunlight, plant palette, and long-term maintenance goals.

That's where expert planning comes in.

Let's Design a Maintenance Plan Tailored to Your Beds

At The Compost Man (https://thecompostman.com/), we understand the unique needs of every yard. We help clients find the right balance between mulch and plant coverage, building healthy, sustainable beds that thrive all season.

Whether you're looking to reduce weeds, enrich your soil, or create a more visually dynamic landscape, we can help.