Should I really mulch every year? It seems like a simple enough question, but the implications are far-reaching, aren’t they? Mulching, often considered a fundamental aspect of gardening, plays a crucial role in nurturing plant health and improving soil vitality. However, one might ponder whether the frequency of this practice could have varying impacts depending on the type of mulch employed or the specific plants being cultivated. As seasons change and weather patterns evolve, does the composition of your mulch degrade more rapidly than you anticipate? Could the benefits of annual replacement—such as weed suppression and moisture retention—outweigh the potential drawbacks, like cost or time investment? And what about the environmental considerations linked to mulch materials? Might organic alternatives contribute positively to soil ecology? Is it possible that in some cases, less frequent application could still yield optimal results? Should we reevaluate our approach to this age-old gardening tradition?