Mulching is a great, easy way to improve the overall quality of your soil and the health of your plants. Mulching acts to trap moisture in the soil, prevents erosion, regulates soil temperature, suppresses weeds, and adds valuable nutrients to the soil as it decomposes.  Mulch is any kind of organic matter that is used to cover the top of the soil around a plant.  Dead, shredded leaves and bark, hay, thick compost, even sawdust or woodchips, all of these are fine for mulching. 

DC Urban Gardeners

Organic Gardening: Mulching

Once your soil has been prepared, now you are ready for planting!