Organic Mulch

• Organic mulch made from wood chips, compost, ground-up leaves or bark, and lawn and grass clippings are best for your garden. Organic mulch contains organisms that help promote healthy plants. An inorganic mulch, such as stone, is not as effective as organic mulch because inorganic mulch does not absorb water and does not contain as many useful organisms.
  
  

Dyed Mulch

• Dyed mulch is available in a variety of colors to give your garden a tailor-made look. While the dye does not harm plants, dyed mulch that is too bright or too dark can be unattractive in your landscape. Mulch of a color that blends in with the soil is best when you do not want mulch to become the focal point of your garden.
  
  

By the Bag

• If you have a small lawn or garden, buying mulch by the bag can save money and reduce the risk of overuse. Take note of how many areas in your yard that need mulch, such as around individual trees and in flowerbeds. Calculate what you will need by how much mulch is in one bag. Typically, one yard of mulch can cover up to 300 feet when spread 1 inch thick over soil. Buying mulch by the bag allows you to easily move from place to place, taking a bag with you as you apply the mulch. Overmulching--using layers more than 1-inch thick-- can prevent water from reaching the roots of your plants.
  
  

Buying in Bulk

• If you have a large lawn or garden, buying mulch by the yard and having it delivered to your home may be less expensive than buying multiple bags. You will need a wheelbarrow or shovel to move the mulch around your yard. The only drawback to buying in bulk is the potential for leftover mulch. Since a mulch pile is an eyesore, order only what you need when ordering mulch in bulk. Sharing your mulch with a neighbor or donating it to your local parks department are ways to get rid of excess mulch on your property.