Mulch and Soil. Not the most glamorous part of gardening but it is your garden’s lifeline so here are a few facts:

• There are five factors that go into soil makeup: texture, structure, pH, organic mater and fertility
• Typical soil found in the yard is about 90% mineral residue and only 10% decayed organic matter
• Organic matter provides food for the beneficial microorganisms that release nutrients into the soil
• Mulch protects soil by helping it retain moisture, reduce erosion, suppress weed growth and seed germination and provide nutrients