Cedar also acts as a natural pest repellant to keep your flower beds healthy. However, cedar drains the soil of nitrogen as it decomposes, so fertilizing flowers may be necessary.

Ahead, learn about our top three recommendations for the best mulch for flower beds—plus one to avoid in the garden altogether.

So, incorporating mulch into flower and vegetable beds will aide plants, especially when it’s extremely hot or when there is little to no rainfall.

Whether you're trying to control weeds or make a garden bed look more finished, here's how to select the best type of mulch for every garden bed.

Q: How many times per year should one redo the mulch in flower beds, and what time of year is best? — M.P., Houston A: Maintaining a 2- to 3-inch blanket of organic mulch year-round is a good ...