With gardening scaled back due to some timing issues with the milk cows, the spotlight is on the lifesaving benefits of mulch, especially as we brace for an impending drought. Learn how mulch can transform your garden by saving time, reducing weeds, and conserving precious water.Get ready for a treasure trove of practical gardening advice as we explore the world of mulch. From grass clippings to wood chips, I break down the benefits and potential pitfalls of various organic materials. Discover why grass clippings are my go-to mulch and the critical importance of avoiding sprayed grass. Hear my firsthand experiences with different mulching materials, including tips on avoiding nitrogen depletion with wood chips and dealing with slugs. We also touch on inorganic options like landscape fabric and black plastic, offering a comprehensive guide to choosing the best mulch for your garden's health and productivity. Tune in for an episode packed with insights and personal stories designed to inspire and inform your homesteading journey.Podcast Episode HighlightsPersonal updates Benefits of mulchWhich mulch is best...Biggest mistake people make with mulchMulch #1: grass clippingsMulch #2: old hay or strawMulch #3: cover cropsMulch #4: compostMulch #5: shredded leavesMulch #6: pine needlesLet's talk about using wood chips (aka Back to Eden method)Thoughts on using inorganic materials as mulch...Resources Mentioned in This Podcast Episode:Learn more about Aquatru here: www.aquatru.comUse the code HOMESTEAD to save 20% on your orderMy garden story on using contaminated hay: https://www.theprairiehomestead.com/2016/08/curled-tomato-leaves.htmlDetails on how I'm fixing my tainted soil: https://www.theprairiehomestead.com/2023/06/how-to-fix-tainted-soil.htmlLearn more about using cover crops here: https://www.theprairiehomestead.com/2019/10/garden-cover-crops.htmlCheck out my Instagram reel on cutting down cover crops and planting tomatoes: https://www.instagram.com/reel/C6JyfUNrybT/OTHER HELPFUL RESOURCES FOR YOUR HOMESTEAD: Sign up for weekly musings from my homestead: http://theprairiehomestead.com/letter Get my free homesteading tutorials & recipes here: www.theprairiehomestead.com Jill on Instagram: @jill.winger Jill on Facebook: http://facebook.com/theprairiehomestead Apply to be a guest on the Old-Fashioned on Purpose podcast: https://www.theprairiehomestead.com/podcast-guest-application Did you enjoy listening to this episode? Please drop a comment below or leave a review to let us know. This can help other folks learn about this podcast and we also really appreciate the feedback!