Top 5 Best Mulch for Vegetable Garden [2022]

If you are thinking about growing vegetables in your garden or are already gardening vegetables, you will realize that mulch is a very important factor in your vegetables’ health.

Without mulch, the soil in your garden will not be insulated enough to sustain vegetables. Mulch will retain moisture in the soil and regulate its temperature so that it can have all the nutrients and not erode soon after planting.

Our reviews of the best mulch options for your vegetable garden

Please note: Some of the links in my posts are affiliate links. I get commissions for purchases made through those links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases when you buy something from those links.

However, to make sure your vegetables are as healthy as possible, you must get mulch of the best quality. After all, you don’t want the mulch to be the reason why your vegetables are ruined. So, here’s a list of the top 5 best mulch for vegetable gardens in 2022 so that your vegetables can grow!

NOTE: If you are considering growing a smaller garden like an indoor herb garden, but sure to check out our reviews of indoor herb garden kits that can make the process much more simple and negate the need for mulch.

Top 5 Best Mulch for Vegetable Garden

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Product Image Features

Wood Smith USA
Natural Cedar Mulch

  • 100% Natural Cedar
  • Holds moisture, controls weeds
  • Not harmful to animals

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​Weed Guard Paper Mulch Roll
  • Blocks weeds, reduces erosion, keeps the soil warm
  • 100% Biodegradable
  • 36-inches (W) X 50-feet (L)

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​Envelor Coconut Fibre Chips Mulch
  • Eco-friendly, 100% biodegradable
  • Allows proper aeration, water drainage, and retention
  • Fights weeds, fungi, and bacteria

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​MIGHTY109 Espresso Brown
Wood Chip Mulch
  • Maintains soil temperature and moisture
  • Reduces weed growth
  • Comes in 42 quarts

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USA Pinestraw Premium
Pine Needle Mulch
  • Holds moisture, maintains soil warmth, reduces weed growth
  • Lightweight and easy to use
  • Smells excellent

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1. Wood Smith USA Natural Cedar Mulch (Best Overall)

Natural cedar chip mulch was our top pick for mulch in your vegetable garden

Wood Smith USA Natural Cedar Mulch is undoubtedly one of, if not the best, mulches for vegetable gardening. This product, which is perfect for both indoor and outdoor usage, controls the growth of weeds and even retains moisture so that your vegetables stay healthy. It has a subtle scent of cedar which masks any unpleasant odors and leaves the air smelling fresh. It also keeps pests away from the plants, and it’s not harmful to animals at all! In fact, you can even use it as pet litter if you have any.

The bag that this product comes in has close to 5 quarts of mulch. However, it is extremely affordable.

PROS:

  • Retains moisture, kills weeds
  • Can be used as animal bedding and litter
  • Great for indoor and outdoor plants
  • Keeps away insects that can harm vegetables
  • Extremely inexpensive

CONS:

  • Can get blown away by the wind

2. Weed Guard Paper Mulch Roll​​​​

Weed guard mulch for your vegetable garden

The Weed Guard Paper Mulch Roll is a high-quality paper mulch that naturally prevents weed growth by blocking it; it reduces erosion of plants and helps retain the warmth of the soil, making it perfect for places that can get a little chilly.

This product is plastic-free and 100% biodegradable and decomposes gradually by itself, thus requiring zero maintenance. However, you won’t have to worry about it decomposing too soon; it lasts an entire growing season!

PROS:

  • Retains water and warmth
  • Blocks weed, reduces erosion
  • 100% biodegradable and lasts an entire growing season
  • 36-inches (W) X 50-feet (L); great for farming
  • Cost-efficient

CONS:

  • Can be blown by wind if not held by staples or rocks

3. Envelor Coconut Fibre Chips Mulch

Envelor Coconut fibre husk mulch for your vegetable garden

The Envelor Coconut Fibre Chips Mulch is an eco-friendly, biodegradable mulch block that expands with water and improves your soil’s physical and chemical properties. It is a sustainable means of aerating the soil, retaining its moisture, and nourishing it so that your vegetables can grow healthily. Furthermore, this product is extremely easy to use and is perfect for all kinds of plants, vegetables, and flowers, both indoors and outdoors.

PROS:

  • Eco-friendly and 100% biodegradable
  • Retains water and nourishes the roots
  • pH Neutral

CONS:

  • Needs to be rehydrated before use

4. MIGHTY109 Espresso Brown Wood Chip Mulch

Mighty 109 Espresso Brown Wood Chip Mulch for your vegetable garden

The MIGHTY109 Espresso Brown Wood Chip Mulch is one of the best wood mulches out there. It retains moisture like no other and maintains the soil temperature while also reducing weed growth. This product is quite inexpensive and can be used for flowers, landscapes, and vegetables. It is also safe for animals; however, it keeps away insects that can be harmful to your plants.

PROS:

  • Holds moisture, maintains soil warmth
  • Reduces weed growth
  • Safe for animals and keeps bugs away
  • Inexpensive

CONS:

  • Can be messy to use

5. USA Pinestraw Premium Pine Needle Mulch

USA Pine Straw Mulch for your vegetable garden

The USA Pinestraw Premium Pine Needle Mulch is an exceptional option for vegetable gardening since it is lightweight and easy to use. It allows proper aeration of the soil and retains water really well. Furthermore, it adds beauty to the area it’s been placed without harming the ecosystem.

PROS:

  • Excellent for plants and vegetables
  • Safe for animals
  • Keeps bugs away
  • Has a pleasant scent

CONS:

  • Very expensive

Buying Guide For Finding The Best Mulch For Your Indoor Or Outdoor Vegetable Garden

While buying mulch, there are quite a few things you need to be mindful of. These are factors that can determine whether your vegetables grow healthy or not.

Water Retention

The main reason why you should be buying mulch in the first place is so that your soil can retain water. So, during your purchase, make sure the product you are buying has a great ability to retain moisture.

Air Circulation

Without proper aeration, your mulch can harvest bacteria and accumulate fungi. Hence, the mulch you buy must have the ability to circulate air properly.

Animal Safe

You will know the importance of animal-safe products if you have pets around. However, even if you don’t, it is best if you buy animal-safe mulch, just in case a stray raccoon decides to pay you a visit.

Pest Repellent

Besides being animal-safe, you need to purchase mulches that are pest repellent. This will ensure that you get healthy crops every time!

Conclusion

When gardening vegetables, you must cover the soil with mulch to maintain your plants’ health. That is why we have curated the perfect list for you of the top 5 best mulch for vegetable gardens.

Our top pick is the Wood Smith USA Natural Cedar Mulch which is the best product overall. Despite being very inexpensive, it is 100% biodegradable and holds a great deal of moisture while also masking unpleasant odors and keeping insects away.

So, if mulch is what you are looking for, go ahead and make your purchase right away!

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