Using mulch in your garden makes controlling pests and weeds much easier. Mulches, both organic and inorganic, are used to cover the soil in the garden. The most common types of mulches are shredded bark, pine needles, gravel, and plastic landscape fabric.

Gravel mulch does not usually do much to deter pests, but pulling weeds out of gravel can sometimes be easier than pulling them out of soil. A thick layer of gravel mulch can actually deter weeds. And gravel mulch does not encourage pests.

Plastic landscape fabric is widely used by landscapers to control weeds. These so-called “weed barriers” do prevent most weeds already in the soil from germinating. However, they do nothing to stop weeds seeds that have blown in and landed on top of the landscape fabric from germinating. This problem is compounded when organic mulches, like bark, are used on top of the landscape fabric. The organic mulch breaks down, leaving behind beautiful, nutrient-rich soil. But the garden plants roots cannot reach this soil through the landscape fabric, and only the interloping weeds enjoy it.

Organic mulches like pine needles, bark, and shredded hardwood are the best to use in controlling both weeds and pests. Organic mulches effectively smother weeds and then break down into rich garden soil. Pine needles look lovely and last long, but be careful of pine bark. Sometimes insects are actually attracted to pine bark products. Shredded pine mulch is different, and can actually repel some insects. Cypress mulch, despite claims, is really not any more insect resistant than other hardwood mulches. Unfortunately, because of these rumors of it’s superiority, cypress trees are being harvested out of wetlands for use in suburban gardens faster than it is being replenished—so don’t use cypress mulch! The best mulch for repelling insects is Eastern or Texas cedar. Oil from this wood is used in natural insecticides and repellants, so this can be quite effective for deterring both weeds and insects in the garden.