The Sustainable Garden
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Why Mulch Matters More Than Ever in the Mountain West
Across the Mountain West, this year is shaping up to be one of the toughest yet for gardeners. With ongoing drought conditions and increasing water restrictions, many cities and water districts are tightening usage limits—some even enforcing costly fines for overuse.
If there’s one simple, affordable step you can take right now to protect your garden and reduce water use, it’s this:
👉 Add mulch to your garden beds.
Mulch isn’t just a finishing touch—it’s one of the most powerful tools for building a resilient, water-wise landscape.
💧 1. Dramatically Reduces Water Use
Mulch acts like a protective blanket over your soil.
Reduces evaporation by up to 50% or more
Keeps soil cooler during hot summer days
Extends the time between watering
In Utah’s high-desert climate—where sun, wind, and dry air quickly pull moisture from the soil—this makes a massive difference.
Bottom line: You water less, your plants stay healthier, and you stay compliant with water restrictions.
🌱 2. Natural Weed Suppression
Weeds compete directly with your plants for water—something we can’t afford during a drought.
A proper layer of mulch:
Blocks sunlight from reaching weed seeds
Prevents germination
Makes any weeds that do appear much easier to pull
Less weeding, less water waste, and less stress on your plants.
🦠 3. Builds Healthy, Living Soil
Healthy soil is the foundation of a thriving garden—and mulch is how you build it.
Organic mulches (like bark, wood chips, and composted materials):
Feed beneficial microbes and fungi
Improve soil structure over time
Increase water infiltration and retention
Support long-term plant health
In the Mountain West, many soils are compacted, alkaline, or low in organic matter. Mulch is one of the fastest ways to start correcting that.
🌡️ 4. Protects Plants from Extreme Conditions
Our region is known for:
Hot, dry summers ☀️
Cold winters ❄️
Rapid temperature swings
Mulch helps buffer those extremes by:
Insulating roots from heat
Reducing temperature fluctuations
Protecting perennials and shrubs year-round
🌼 5. Instantly Improves the Look of Your Landscape
Beyond the functional benefits, mulch creates a clean, finished look:
Defines planting beds
Highlights plants and pathways
Adds texture and contrast
It’s one of the easiest upgrades you can make for immediate visual impact.
🏡 Where to Get Quality Mulch in Utah County
For local gardeners, Woodstuff Landscape Supply is one of the best sources for high-quality mulch and landscape materials. Receive 10% off Mulch and Rock Products. See Discount Code Below!
They offer:
Bulk mulch options (better value than bagged)
A variety of textures and colors
Convenient pickup for homeowners and contractors
Everything you need in one stop—soil, rock, bark, and more
If you’re planning to refresh your beds this season, it’s worth stopping by and seeing the options in person.
Woodstuff Landscape Supply
955 S 1950 W Springville Utah 84663
(801) 489-4777
Must Show Ad Discount Code at Purchase!
📏 How to Apply Mulch (Quick Guide)
For best results:
Apply 3–4 inches deep
Keep mulch a few inches away from plant stems and tree trunks
Install over moist soil (water first, then mulch)
Pair with drip irrigation for maximum efficiency
Landscape fabric is discouraged
🌿 Final Thought: Mulch Is a Must This Year
With drought conditions intensifying across Utah and the Mountain West, gardening isn’t just about beauty—it’s about efficiency and resilience.
Mulch helps you:
✔ Use less water
✔ Stay within restrictions
✔ Build healthier soil
✔ Protect your plants long-term
If you do one thing this season—make it mulch.
Happy Gardening!
Ramona
Bloom Gardens www.bloomgardens.org
Hughes Family Native Garden
Nestled above the Tuacahn Wash on land protected by conservation easements, Lee’s garden is a masterclass in desert-wise design and thoughtful stewardship. Begun when the home was built in 1993 and nurtured over decades, the garden showcases an evolving collection of native and well-adapted plants woven among volcanic rock and sculptural metal art.
