Mulching! Soils protection

Grass clippings, straw, pine needles, leaves, wood chips, and cardboard. These are all examples of mulch that breaks down into topsoil. Plastic coverings smother the soil, prevent water infiltration, and heat the soil excessively. We are trying to build resilient soils, and one of the best ways to do that is with mulch. When collecting grass clippings or straw, know where it came from. Chemical contamination is a big concern and could set your growing area back. I use leaves from yard cleanups in the fall. Trees have less chance of contamination.