What is the primary purpose of mulching in gardens?

The primary purpose of mulching in gardens is to conserve moisture and suppress weeds. When mulch is applied to the soil surface, it acts as a barrier that helps retain soil moisture by reducing evaporation. This is particularly important during hot weather, as it helps keep the roots of plants hydrated.

Additionally, by covering the soil, mulch inhibits the growth of weeds by blocking sunlight from reaching the seeds that would otherwise germinate. This not only reduces competition for water and nutrients between desirable plants and weeds but also minimizes the need for manual weeding or herbicides.

While enhancing the aesthetic appearance of the garden can be a benefit of mulching, it is not the primary purpose. Similarly, mulch can contribute some nutrients as it breaks down over time, but its main function is not to provide nutrients directly. Protecting plants from pests is another advantage of certain types of mulch, but again, it is secondary to the crucial roles of moisture conservation and weed suppression.