mulch

noun

ˈməlch 

ˈməlsh

: a protective covering (as of sawdust, compost, or paper) spread or left on the ground to reduce evaporation, maintain even soil temperature, prevent erosion, control weeds, enrich the soil, or keep fruit (such as strawberries) clean

mulch transitive verb

Examples of mulch in a Sentence

She spread some mulch around the plants.

Recent Examples on the Web

Use no more than 2 or 3 inches of mulch around plants. —Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 10 May 2025

Apply a 2- to 3-inch layer of mulch around the base of the plant, keeping it a few inches away from the stem or trunk, to retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds. —Debbie Wolfe, Popular Science, 8 May 2025

Make sure the mulch doesn't touch the trunk at all. —Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 May 2025

Weed and Mulch Remove weeds that may have appeared in your beds, then apply a fresh 3 -to 4-inch layer of organic mulch to all beds, both newly planted and established. —Rita Pelczar, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

perhaps irregular from English dialect melch soft, mild

First Known Use

1657, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing mulch

• stubble mulch

Rhymes for mulch

• gulch

Kids Definition

mulch

1 of 2 noun

ˈməlch

: a covering (as of straw or sawdust) spread over the ground to protect the roots of plants from heat, cold, or evaporation, prevent soil loss, control weeds, enrich the soil, or keep fruit (as strawberries) clean

mulch

2 of 2 verb

: to cover with mulch