What is mulch, and why do gardeners love it?

What Crafty Clover says in this video

Intro

Hi there, curious minds! I'm Crafty Clover! Let's discover something amazing. What is mulch, and why do gardeners love it?

The Big Idea

Gardeners spread a blanket on their soil! It's called mulch. Why do they love it?

A Layer

Step one: A Layer. Mulch is a layer of material spread over soil, usually two or three inches deep. It might be straw, leaves, or wood chips.

Many Jobs

Step two: Many Jobs. Mulch holds moisture by slowing evaporation, and it blocks sunlight, so fewer weeds sprout. It keeps soil cooler in summer and warmer in winter.

Feeding Soil

Step three: Feeding Soil. As natural mulch breaks down, it feeds the soil and the worms. Keep mulch a little away from plant stems, so they don't rot.

A Closer Look

Let's take a closer look! Holds it in. Blocks them. Keeps it steady. Get fed.

Quick Facts

Quick facts! Forests make their own mulch every autumn when leaves fall. Mulch saves water. Fewer weeds sprout. Keep it off stems.

Think Like a Scientist

Now, think like a scientist! With a grown-up, find soil under leaves or straw. Feel the soil underneath. Then feel some bare soil nearby. Which is moister? Write three things mulch does.

Outro

Mulch is a two- to three-inch layer of material over soil. It holds moisture, blocks weeds, keeps soil temperature steady, and feeds the soil as it breaks down, so just keep it a little away from stems. Science is amazing! Keep asking questions! The more you look around, the more wonders you will find, so keep your eyes open! Crafty Clover can be found on Amazon Books, Google Bookstore, and Apple Books. Available for purchase or download! Bye for now!