Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Frugal Gardening
Frugal Gardening
Brandon Marcus

Why Covering Beds Helps Soil Microbes Thrive

Image Source: Shutterstock.com

If you’ve ever seen a gardener tucking their soil under a blanket of mulch, straw, or compost, you might wonder—what’s with the dirt blanket? Turns out, it’s not just about keeping things tidy or weed-free.

Beneath that cover, an invisible army of microbes is hard at work, transforming organic matter, balancing nutrients, and keeping your plants healthy. Covering your garden beds isn’t just a style choice—it’s a science-backed move that supercharges soil life.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.