THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MULCH AND COMPOST

Organic mulch can consist of shredded wood chips, fallen leaves, grass clippings, or really anything organic in nature that will break down over time. It is used to protect plants and surrounding grounds, reducing weeds, aiding soil temperature by acting as an insulator, and keeping moisture levels constant.

Mulch is layered directly on top of the soil after planting. In the winter, it may be used to keep out the cold while in the summer, it is used to keep in moisture. This can be very helpful when you are planting non native plants to particular geography, acting as a climate control. As it breaks down or decomposes, it adds nutrients to the soil below, improving the quality. Because the organic materials decompose over time in organic mulch, it must be reapplied as the nutrients diminish.

Compost is incorporated into the soil in late fall or early spring or each time you plant as a soil amendment. Composting is not mulching, but mulch can be compost, as compost simply refers to the end product of any organic decomposition.  Compost may consist of nearly any organic material including old grass clippings, fallen leaves from trees, kitchen scraps (but not meats, cheeses or oils). As the material slowly decomposes, the soil becomes more nutrient rich and plants thrive.