Organic gardeners tend to go on about mulch. But if you're just starting out, these charts will help you to choose between the different types available.

Comparative effect of inorganic mulches Effect of covering an area of soil with different materials for a period of 2 weeks prior to sowing. The effect is greater towards the middle of the area. Type of material single layer double layer Landscape fabric +1 degrees C +1 degrees C Carpet +1 degrees C +1 degrees C Clear polythene +2 degrees C +2 degrees C Fleece +2 degrees C +2 degrees C Black polythene +1 degrees C +1 degrees C

Comparative cost of organic mulches Autumn leaves Free Bagged composted bark 60p/bucket Bagged chipped wood* 60p/bucket Well rotted manure Cheap/free Composted municipal sludge 83p/bucket Bagged cocoa chips/shell** £1/bucket *robs nitrogen, sprinkle beneath with blood, fish & bone **slug repellent

When to use mulch

Purpose	Plants	When	Material
To conserve moisture and suppress annual weeds	Roses, shrubs, soft fruit, asparagus, globe artichokes	April/May before the ground dries out	Peat, leafmould, compost, lawn mowings
Suppression of perennial weeds	All types	Anytime	Newspaper, plastic
Frost protection	Asparagus, globe artichoke, many shrubs, some flowers (dahlias)	Autumn	Straw, rough leafmould, bracken, green manure crop
Protecting muddy paths, especially in raised bed growing	All types	Anytime	Straw, sawdust, bark chippings

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