Want a gorgeous, low-maintenance garden that looks fresh all season long? Two words: mulch and Preen. Together, they’re your best line of defense against weeds—and your secret to that polished, just-planted look (even weeks later).

What is mulch anyway?

Mulch is any material you spread over the soil’s surface—typically organic, like shredded bark or hardwood. It’s not just a pretty face (though it does make your beds look tidy and intentional). Mulch helps:

• Suppress weeds by blocking sunlight
• Retain moisture so your plants stay hydrated longer
• Regulate soil temperature (think: cozy roots in early spring, cool ones in peak summer)
• Enrich the soil as it breaks down over time

In short, it’s one of the easiest upgrades you can make to your landscape.

Mulch Math: How Much You’ll Need

Wondering how many bags of mulch you’ll need for your yard? Here are some quick approximations to help you plan:

• 1/2 yard @ 1″ depth = 7 bags covers approx. 160 sq. ft.
• 1/2 yard @ 2″ depth = 7 bags covers approx. 80 sq. ft.
• 1 yard @ 1″ depth = 14 bags covers approx. 320 sq. ft.
• 1 yard @ 2″ depth = 14 bags covers approx. 160 sq. ft.

Each bag = 2 cubic feet
1 cubic yard = 27 cubic feet

Why we love Preen

Imagine a nearly invisible layer of protection—like garden saran wrap—that stops weed seeds from sprouting in the first place. That’s what Preen does. After you’ve weeded and mulched your beds, sprinkle Preen on top and water it in. Boom. Weed barrier activated.

We don’t get paid to say this (though we should!), but Preen is one of those inventions we truly can’t garden without. It’s safe for use around most established plants, and a game-changer for anyone who wants to spend less time weeding and more time enjoying their space.

preen tips for best results:

• Weed first. Preen prevents new seeds from sprouting, but it won’t kill existing weeds.
• Mulch after weeding, then apply Preen over the mulch.
• Water it in to activate. Reapply every 9–12 weeks for continued protection.

bonus weeding Solution: Newspaper

Lay down several layers of newspaper under mulch to create a biodegradable, eco-friendly weed barrier. It blocks sunlight just like mulch or Preen and breaks down naturally over time. This method is especially great in vegetable gardens where you want to avoid synthetic chemicals.

final weeding Tips:

• Weed after rain when the soil is soft—roots come out more easily.
• Stay on top of weeds early in the season before they flower or go to seed.
• Use hand tools like a hori hori or claw cultivator for targeted removal.

Questions about which mulch is right for your beds? Need to grab a fresh jug of Preen? We’ve got you covered—just stop by.