Half-rotten straw, or any similar light, porous, organic substance strewn on the ground, as over the roots of plants, to protect from heat, drought, etc., and to hinder weed growth and preserve moisture.

a material such as straw or leaves applied to the soil to protect it from the weather or to suppress weed growth

A covering placed on the ground around plants, usually made from manure, grass clippings, or leaves. The purpose is to prevent excessive evaporation, erosion, and to enrich the soil.

Generally, mulch is a layer of organic material spread over the bare surface of soil to block the loss of moisture and to discourage the growth of weeds. For these pages, mulch is the term used to refer to non-composted materials, such as shredded or chipped bark, which eventually rot and add to the soil, enhancing its fertility.