I'm new to gardening and just planted some star jasmine. It's recommended to use mulch around the plants to help retain moisture. What kind of mulch should I use? Any tips would be greatly appreciated!
3 Answers
For mulching around your star jasmine, you can't go wrong with organic materials. Bark or compost are excellent choices as they help retain moisture and prevent weeds. Composted bark looks nice and is effective, but if you want something free, grass clippings work just as well! Just lay them down thick enough to do the job.
I recommend using well-rotted manure or homemade compost. Even if it's not fully decomposed, spreading it over your garden helps insulate the plants and improve moisture retention. Just let nature do its thing and it’ll break down in place!
Sieved woodchip is my go-to if I can find it, but shredded garden waste works in a pinch too. Both do a great job at keeping the soil cool and moist while suppressing weeds. Just make sure whatever you choose is organic!
I love that you mentioned shredded garden waste—it's a great way to recycle!

I second the grass clippings! They break down quickly and are super beneficial for your plants.