Merriam-Webster’s definition for mulch is a “protective covering spread or left on the ground to reduce evaporation, maintain even soil temperature, prevent erosion, control weeds, enrich the soil, or keep fruit (such as strawberries) clean.” Backyard Conservation Tipsheet provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Services notes, “Mulching is one of the simplest and most beneficial practices you can use in the garden.” Yet, the why, what, where, and when of mulch often stumps many backyard lay gardeners. Foremost are mulch’s overall benefits. According to Peter Mezitt, president of Weston Nurseries, Hopkinton, Mass., mulch works as a: plant “security blanket” winter root insulator summertime moisture retainer nutrient supplier weed minimizer Mulch also helps reduce soil erosion and soil compaction and maintain soil temperatures. And then there is the sensory aspect of mulch. Eric Walker, supplier/manager at Sun Valley Landscaping in Omaha, Neb., explained that not only does …