All un-rotted organic material including pine needles, grass clippings, straw, hay,wood bark, shavings and sawdust should be allowed to mature well before being used as mulches, or they may rob the soil of nitrogen as they decompose.

• Cardboard and newspaper Both flattened cardboard and whole opened out newspapers weighted down to keep them in place, will last for one growing season as they rot down quite quickly.

• Compost A (3-5″) layer makes a good mulch, however if the compost is too fine, it may be washed away in the rain.

• Grass clippings A good mulching material but make sure it is well matured, grass clippings can generate alot of heat as they rot down. Which can scorch young plants that are planted near by.

• Hay Well matured hay makes a great mulch, the only disadvantage is that it tends to contain weed seeds.

• Leaf Mould A (4″) layer of rotted down leaves provides a good organic barrier against weeds. When they are added to the ground in the autumn, add lots of organic matter to build up a good soil structure.

• Mulch membranes Geotextiles (water and air can get through) are man made  membranes that can easily be fastened to the ground with wire pegs. Lasting up to15 years when covered with an additional loose mulch. You can not plant through them though and they arethe most expensive option.

• Pine needles A (4-6″) layer this acidic substance provides a good mulch around other acid loving plants.

• Straw Great when well matured for use around vegetables and strawberries as it contains few weed seeds. Use a (6-8″) layer to prevent light reaching the soil.