Gardeners put a lot of effort into their landscape, and adding mulch will help reap many benefits, said David Hillock, Oklahoma State University Extension consumer horticulturist.

What material should I use? A: A layer of mulch helps soil retain moisture, protects roots against winter frosts, and keeps weeds at bay. What's more, it can provide plants with added nutrients.

Beds and borders can quickly dry out or be taken over by weeds. Using a layer of mulch across the soil surface can prevent this. Follow our guide to mulching, an essential garden technique.

Amendments are mixed into the soil to improve the physical or chemical makeup of the soil. Another term is fertilizers, which ...