mulch
/mʌl(t)ʃ
/noun [mass noun]
1Material (such as decaying leaves, bark, or compost) spread around or over a plant to enrich or insulate the soil.Cover with shredded bark mulch, straw, hay or evergreen boughs to protect them over the winter....
- Water regularly during dry spells and spread mulch around plants to keep roots cool and moist.
- To prevent dry soil, spread mulch around plants.
1.1 [count noun] An application of mulch: regular mulches keep down annual weeds...
- Weeds are best controlled through regular cultivation and/or through the use of mulches.
- Earthworms often thrive under mulch and in general mulches usually help plants grow better.
- Both organic and inorganic mulches have numerous benefits.
verb [with object]
Treat or cover with mulch: the perennials have been cut back and mulched [no object]: mulch annually around the plants to retain the moisture...
- Mr Thomas said there is a range of things people can do to save water, including mulching the garden and covering swimming pools to reduce evaporation.
- In these zones, spring-flowering bulbs must be mulched during the winter due to the danger of frost damage.
- By mulching, cover cropping, and composting, you can work on the soil all season long.
Origin
Mid 17th century: probably from dialect mulch 'soft' used as a noun, from Old English melsc, mylsc.