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What Are the Best Mulches for Wet Areas? 3 Great Options

person watering avocado plant

As any gardener knows, mulching is an important part of plant care. It helps to protect plants from the elements and keeps them healthy. However, not all mulches are created equal. Some mulches are better suited for wet areas than others.

In this article, we will discuss some of the best mulches for wet areas.

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The 3 Best Mulches for Wet Areas

1. Wood Chips

wood chips mulch
Image By: Olichel, Pixabay

Wood chips serve as one of the very best mulch products you can find for wet areas. They help to retain moisture in the soil and prevent water from evaporating. They also help to protect plants from the cold and keep them warm in the winter.

To get the most benefits from wood chips, it is best to apply them in a layer that is at least 2 inches thick. This will help to ensure that the chips do not blow away in the wind and that they stay in place.

However, you can apply a layer as high as 6 inches if you want. Just keep in mind that the thicker the layer, the more difficult it will be for water to penetrate.

Typically 2 or 3 inches of wood chip mulch is perfect for allowing water to seep through while still providing all of the benefits that wood chips have to offer.

If you want to give your lawn or garden a bit more character, try MIGHTY109’s Wood Chip Mulch in Espresso Brown. This mulch is made from 100% real wood chips and has a rich, dark color that will add a touch of class to any landscape.

Pros
  • Helps to retain moisture in the soil
  • Prevents water from evaporating
  • Protects plants from the cold
Cons
  • A thicker layer can make it difficult for water to penetrate

2. Plastic Mulch Film

Grower's Solution Black Plastic Mulch

If you are looking for a mulch that will really help to keep your plants healthy, try using plastic mulch film. This type of mulch is great for preventing moisture from evaporating. Plus, it helps to reflect light back onto the leaves of plants, which can help to prevent sunburn.

Just be sure that you purchase a high-quality plastic mulch film material. Otherwise, it will break down quickly in the sun.

One of the best plastic mulch films on the market is Grower’s Solution Plastic Mulch. This film is made from strong, durable, embossed 1.0-mil plastic. You can get a 4-foot-wide roll of 100 feet of plastic mulch for about $26. This should give you plenty of material to cover a large area.

Pros
  • Prevents moisture from evaporating
  • Great for reflecting light
Cons
  • Can be expensive

3. Decorative Pebbles

12 Pounds River Rock Stones

These tiny, attractive stones are a great way to add color and character to your landscape. Plus, they can help to retain moisture in the soil and keep plants healthy.

Try to ensure that you choose pebbles that are small enough so that they do not blow away in the wind. You can find small decorative pebbles at most garden stores.

But if you want a really good deal, Voulosimi offers 12 pounds of River Rock Stones for under $25. This stone is great for mulching wet areas and adding a touch of beauty to your yard or garden.

It’s worth noting that due to the smoothness of decorative pebbles, this solution is quite as effective as the previous two entries. Still, it’s a good-looking alternative that makes a difference.

Pros
  • Can add color and character to your landscape
  • Helps retain moisture in the soil
Cons
  • Not as effective as other mulches

divider 4 Tips for Creating a Waterwise Garden

When it comes to choosing the best mulch for wet areas, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. First, you need to make sure that the mulch you choose is either absorbing or repelling water effectively.

This will help to prevent water from pooling on the surface of the soil and prevent your plants from getting too wet. Also, try to choose a mulch that is durable and will not break down quickly in the event of heavy rain.

If you’re serious about the aesthetics of your space, you’ll want to make sure that the mulch you choose is also attractive. Wood chips and decorative pebbles both fit the bill here. But plastic mulch film might not be the best choice if you’re going for a natural look.

When caring for your waterwise garden, it’s important to remember that less is more. This means choosing drought-tolerant plants that don’t require a lot of water to thrive. It also means being mindful of how often you water your plants and making sure not to overdo it.

By following these simple tips, you can create a beautiful and sustainable water-wise garden that will thrive for years to come.

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Conclusion

Whether you need quality mulch for your yard or flower garden, there are many options available to choose from. If you have a wet area, however, you’ll need to be careful about which mulch you select. Some types of mulch can actually make your wet area worse by absorbing too much moisture and becoming compacted.

By sticking to the three mulches outlined above, you can be sure that your wet area will stay well-drained and healthy.

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Featured Image Credit: Yuyoenelespacio, Shutterstock

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