Gardening experts explain why mulch is important in the winter, when and how much to apply, and the benefits of mulch.

The straw mulch keeps the grass seed from washing away, deters feeding birds and rodents, and, until it decomposes, conserves the moisture the seeds need for good germination. When you’re shopping for ...

Many years ago early in my agriculture/gardening career, I discovered a book written by a woman who developed a novel way of gardening. Ruth Stout’s gardening technique involved applying layers of ...

My garden sure wood be nothing without mulch! Like choosing the right plant for the right place, mulch should match the conditions and plants growing in your garden. Mulch can be plant-based: compost, ...

A GOOD FALL TIDY allows the garden to display its winter beauties without the distractions of weeds. Fading foliage may be another story, since many plants need the nutrients stored in those browning ...

Do You Need to Mulch Every Year? No, you don’t have to mulch every year, but doing so can benefit your garden. Choosing to mulch isn’t a one-size-fits-all task and depends upon several factors. "It ...

Mulch is commonly used to help suppress weeds and to hold in soil moisture in dry times. There are many different kinds of mulch, and it is important to get the right kind, and to apply it properly if ...

Here's exactly how deep your raised garden beds should be to grow veggies, herbs, and flowers. Growing vegetables, flowers, and herbs in a raised garden bed is a handy solution if you have poor soil ...

If the smell of fresh mulch is in the air, it must be early spring in Greater Columbus. As soon the snow melts and the first warm sunny day appears, gardeners head for their local garden center where ...

Editor's note: Throughout the growing season, Mike Hogan, OSU Extension Educator for Agriculture & Natural Resources in Franklin County, will answer gardening questions submitted by Dispatch readers.