Best Mulch for a Vegetable Garden – Our Top 5 Picks

While traditional organic mulch chips can be very functional for boosting your garden health, mulch sheets or paper mulch rolls are a true revelation if you want to boost your crop and get more produce.

Paper mulch sheets are easier to apply compared to traditional chopped mulch pieces, are more affordable, and tend to offer more growth benefits to vegetable gardens.

If you want to increase your garden harvests or need to reduce the labor intensity of your veggie patch then it might be time to invest in the best mulch paper for a vegetable garden. Here are our suggestions for the best mulch for a vegetable garden if you’re considering mulch paper. 

Best Mulch Paper for a Vegetable Garden

There are quite a few different types of mulch sheets for vegetable gardens. Many sheets come in different sizes, different lengths, they can vary in thickness, they can be made of different materials, and some are solid sheets while others are perforated with growth holes in them. 

Our gardening team did a bit of digging on the different mulch sheet types and we came across the following sheets that are bound to be a winner in your vegetable garden. Here is a quick look at our top picks.

1. Best Mulch Plastic Sheet for Boosted Growth: Adnee’s 3 Mil Embossed Red Mulch Gardener Plastic 

Adnee’s red embossed gardener plastic mulch can be a good option if you are looking for an affordable mulch sheet that is going to optimize the growth of your plants.

The red hue of these polyethylene plastic sheets helps reflect intensified red light back to the plant.  This increase in red light boosts the photosynthetic process of the plant and helps boost the plant growth. This ultimately can bring about quicker harvests. 

The red color of the sheets also warms up the soil to protect delicate plant roots from the frost.

Another great advantage is the moisture retention qualities that these sheets provide. The plastic keeps moisture trapped inside which keeps the soil moist for longer. 

The mulch sheets are very practical since they have a good 4-foot width and 25-foot length. Even though the plastic is thick and tear-resistant, it can easily be cut or melted with a circular design to create planter areas for your crops.

The mulch sheets certainly are durable enough to keep your crops protected from weeds for an entire growth season and could even be used for a second harvest because it is quite durable. 

The only downside to plastic mulch is that it is non-biodegradable and not as healthy for the environment as natural fiber mulch but the material is 100% recyclable.  

Specifications

• Materials – Polyethylene (PE) plastic
• Color – Red
• Dimensions – 48 x 300 inches
• Weight – 2.92 pounds per 2 sheets
• Thickness – 3 mil
• Special Feature – Red color increases the photosynthetic capacity of plants 

Pros

• Affordable product
• Easy to use and install
• No pre-cut holes so you can customize planting dimensions
• Thick, tear-resistant product
• Red color enhances the photosynthesis process
• Plastic mulch can be reused
• Absorbs heat which protects roots from frost 

Cons

• Not a biodegradable product
• Plastic isn’t breathable

2. Best Biodegradable Mulch Sheet: Gardener’s Supply Company Weedguard Plus Mulch Paper

The mulch paper by Gardiner’s Supply Company is our top pick if you are looking for something functional that is going to contribute to your soil health.

These mulch sheets are made from wood pulp fibers and will naturally biodegrade as the growing season progresses. The sheets are thick and strong enough to protect your plants and keep weeds from sprouting for an entire growing season. 

When the growing season is over, the wood pulp sheets will start breaking down and you won’t have to clear away the leftover materials. The leftover mulch paper sheet can be turned over into the soil and will add lots of nutrients to your garden beds.

These sheets also provide a lot of functionality for gardens. The fabric has a convenient size of three feet wide and each roll is 50 feet long. It is easy to cut into the mulch sheets to create holes for your plants and you don’t have to be too concerned about dripper placement since water can filter right through the sheets to hydrate the plants.

The dark hue of these mulch sheets also offers a bit of protection from frost and is certainly helpful for keeping gardening soil in place.  

Specifications

• Materials – Natural cellulose wood pulp fibers
• Color – Brown
• Dimensions – 3 x 50 foot
• Weight – 3.3 pounds
• Special Feature – 100% biodegradable 

Pros

• Easy to roll out and use
• No pre-cut holes so you can customize plant spacing
• Improves soil quality
• Breathable product
• Biodegradable so you won’t have to discard it after use
• No negative environmental impact 
• Durable enough for entire season use
• Warms the soil to protect roots 

Cons

• Not as long-lasting as plastic
• Higher price compared to plastic  

3. Best for Organic Gardening: Weed Guard Paper Mulch Roll  

Weed Guard’s paper mulch rolls are also a good option if you prefer organic gardening practices. These mulch sheets are made of natural cellulose fiber and will fully biodegrade all on their own as the season progresses.

Once biodegraded, the sheets can be turned over into the soil and will become healthy nutrients for your plant. The fact that there is no plastic to clean up afterward is a huge bonus.

The gardener’s mulch sheeting is tough enough to last all season because the sheets are quite thick. Even though water can filter through these sheets, it’s best to keep contact with moisture to a minimum since too much contact with water will speed up the biodegrading process.

The sheets are practical since you can easily cut holes into them in all the areas you would like to add vegetable plants. The 36-inch width is also perfect for most garden beds and with a 50-foot length, you can cover quite a bit of ground.

These gardening sheets will form a protective layer to keep moisture trapped in the soil so you won’t have to water your plants as often. The sheets also do a great job at keeping weeds from sprouting and help keep the soil around our garden plants warm.  

Specifications

• Materials – Natural cellulose fiber
• Color – Green
• Dimensions – 36 inch x 50 feet
• Special Feature – 100% biodegradable

Pros

• Good roll size
• Easy to use
• 100% biodegradable
• No need to dispose of after use
• No pre-cut holes so you can customize planting dimensions
• Water easily passes through the paper
• Warms the soil and prevents weed growth 

Cons

• Costly compared to plastic mulch
• Single-season use only 

4. Good Alternative Red Mulch Sheet: A.M. Leonard Red Mulch Film Roll  

A.M. Leonard’s red mulch film is a good alternative to Adnee’s red mulch film. The main difference is that these sheets are longer with a total length of 100 feet making them more suitable for larger commercial gardens. 

With a standard 4-foot width, the sheets are also ideal for gardening beds and the plastic is easy to cut into or melt to create growing holes for your little plants.

The polyethylene sheets are quite sturdy and will keep compost-filled garden beds in shape throughout the season. For as long as these sheets are in place, you won’t have any trouble with weeds since the plastic acts as a barrier that keeps weeds from sprouting.

The red color of the sheeting is preferable for boosting plant growth and increasing yields because it will stimulate rapid growth.

While mulch film rolls are designed for single-season use, you can repurpose them a second time to grow a different cultivar in the same beds.  

Specifications

• Materials – Polyethylene (PE) plastic
• Color – Red
• Dimensions – 4 x 100 feet
• Special Feature – Reflects infrared wavelengths 

Pros

• Red color stimulates rapid growth
• No-pre cut holes for easy spacing customization
• Good roll size 
• Multi-seasonal use
• No premature degeneration
• Prevents weed growth
• Warms up the soil 

Cons

• Non-biodegradable
• Will need to manually discard it after the season
• Non-breathable and water cannot pass through 

5. Best Perforated Mulch Sheet: Fyrome Garden Mulch Film  

If you are not fond of cutting holes into your garden mulch sheets or want a garden with perfect proportions then these film sheets by Fyrome are a terrific option.

The sheets are pre-cut with five perforated holes per row. These perforated sheets can make planting quite easy since you can quickly slide sprouts into the 45 mm diameter holes and enjoy the aesthetically pleasing results of perfectly lined-up crops. The 15 x 15 centimeter spacing is also ideal for most crop varieties including strawberries, lettuce, beans, and many others. 

The mulch sheets are quite thick and rip-protected so they will last all season long. The sturdy design of the sheets is great for keeping mixed planting soils properly contained and will keep weeds from sprouting inside your garden.

Because the sheets are plastic, water cannot evaporate and the soil will stay moist for longer. The black color is also great for keeping plant roots warm although this can also be a drawback during extremely warm temperatures.  

Specifications

• Materials – Polyethylene (PE) plastic
• Color – Black
• Dimensions – 4 x 38 feet
• Thickness – 0.1 inches
• Special Feature – Pre-cut holes 

Pros

• Easy to lay down and use
• Pre-cut holes ease the planting process
• Thick, durable plastic
• Multi-seasonal use
• Affordable price range
• Various garden and landscaping applications
• Ideal for vegetable or strawberry growth 

Cons

• Non-biodegradable
• Manual discard after use
• Pre-cut holes might not suit all plant growth types or garden uses
• Non-breathable and no water can filter through  

About Mulch Sheets and Their Advantages

If you are new to the concept of mulch sheeting then you are in for quite a treat. These types of sheets offer surprisingly many advantages and are practical for all sorts of produce types.

Let’s take a look at the main advantages of using mulch sheets inside your garden and explore the most important characteristics to look for when you go shopping for a suitable product.  

Benefits of Using Mulch Sheets

 Mulch sheets are becoming more and more common in commercial farming as well as home gardens because they offer so many benefits. Here are some of the top reasons to invest in these types of ground coverings when you are developing a beautiful vegetable garden. 

Saves Water

One of the main reasons commercial farmers choose to use mulch sheeting is so they can preserve water reserves. The mulch layer retains moisture by keeping the sun from evaporating water so the soil can stay moist for longer. This keeps the plant roots moist for longer, reduces plant stress, and reduces the watering frequency of your crops. 

Reduces Labor Intensity

Mulch sheeting can be a powerful weed barrier because the thick sheets keep weeds from sprouting since it deprives weeds of sunlight. With fewer weeds sprouting among your crops, gardening maintenance is greatly reduced and it becomes a lot easier to care for your beautiful vegetable patches.  

Protect Fruits

Plastic mulch sheeting can protect fruits like strawberries, melons, tomatoes, and squash from pests because it creates a barrier between these fruits and the soil surface. This barrier keeps pests like ants from targeting your fruits, reduces the chances of fruits rotting, and keeps the foods clean and blemish-free. 

Warms The Soil 

Dark-colored mulch sheeting will draw more warmth to the soil and trap the warmth in the soil. This will warm up the growing medium of your plants and can protect your harvest from frost. With this ability to manipulate soil temperatures, farmers can prolong their growing season.  

Boosts Plant Growth

Colorful mulches have proven successful in enhancing plant health and development. Different colors have different effects on the growth of plants. Red is a popular mulch color because this vibrant color is believed to boost the growth of plants as it redirects certain sun rays which boosts photosynthesis in plants and results in faster growth. Some trials also indicate that red mulch can help reduce blight in tomatoes.

Some vegetable species respond better to certain mulch colors than others. For example, Zucchini and honeydew grow best when paired with a blue mulch layer. 

Nourishes The Soil

Plastic mulch isn’t the healthiest for soil. This mulch type does have some potential concerns since it does contribute to microplastic pollution in farmlands. Polyurethane mulch is 100% recyclable and if it is responsibly disposed of, it shouldn’t have a polluting effect on the environment. 

In addition to the pollution issue, plastic film isn’t breathable and can reduce the aeration of soil as the season progresses. This can have an impact on crop growth when mulch is repurposed for a second growing season.

Even though plastic mulch might not be the best option for soil health, natural pulp mulch is a fantastic alternative. This type of breathable mulch allows water to filter through, ensures good air circulation, and offers additional nutrients to the soil.  

What to Look for in Mulch Sheets

If you want the best results from your vegetable garden, it’s best to invest in a suitable mulch. Here is a quick look at the main characteristics to keep in mind when you are shopping for the best mulch for a vegetable garden. 

Size

Vegetable gardens can vary a lot in size. You can successfully grow a miniature garden in a growing container or develop a massive commercial vegetable farm. While the length of garden beds varies tremendously, most gardeners and farmers prefer a narrow garden bed design. 

The narrow design allows you to easily access vegetables and fruits for harvesting without stepping directly into the garden bed. 

A typical garden bed is about 4 feet wide. When shopping for mulch, it’s usually best to choose mulch sheeting that is about 3-4 feet wide, depending on the size of your garden. 

Thickness

A thin layer of mulch is more likely to rip or biodegrade compared to a thicker mulch sheet. Thick sheeting also offers more functionality since they are easier to roll out on the soil and easier to pin down with some weights. Thicker sheeting will also be more durable and UV-resistant.  

Material Type

Mulch sheets mostly come in two main material types – polyurethane plastic or wood pulp fibers. Both of these materials can be very functional and each has unique qualities. It’s important to research these qualities or advantages so you can identify the best material type for your needs. 

Polyurethane is a good commercial option since it is affordable, durable, easy to work with, offers good growing benefits (especially red), and the plastic recyclable. 

Paper mulch can also be great for your plants, and offers lots of weed-repelling and soil moisture-retaining benefits but it is more expensive and not quite as durable. On the upside, this material is biodegradable which reduces your cleanup at the end of the growing season. 

Color

Different color mulches have different effects on plant growth. While black or brown mulch are the most common, more colorful mulch can be a good selection since these vivid colors can boost the growth of your plants. 

If you prefer organic gardening practices then paper mulch can still be the best option because the effects of color on plants is quite minimal. If you want your vegetable patch to grow as vigorously as possible then a red mulch can be your best option.  

Transparency

Avoid mulch sheeting that is too transparent. The transparency can restrict sunlight and weeds might bulk up and grow underneath the sheeting. A darker or more solid sun-blocking mulch is always best if you want to avoid weeds in your garden.  

Water Filtration and Breathability 

Plastic mulching doesn’t breathe at all while paper mulch does allow some water to filter through. Plastic mulching can be a good option for drought areas since it keeps more moisture trapped into the soil which can reduce your overall water usage.

A more breathable mulch can be a good option if you want to maintain optimal soil health with good aeration.  

Environmental Impact

Paper mulch is the ultimate way to go if you want to keep your carbon footprint as low as possible. Even though polyurethane mulch is fully recyclable it does pose the risk of microplastic pollution. This risk is eliminated with a natural product like paper mulch. 

FAQ

What is Mulch Sheet Used For?

Mulch sheets in a vegetable garden are used for several purposes. Firstly, they regain moisture in the soil so plants will remain moist for longer. This greatly reduces water usage and can keep moisture-loving plants from feeling stressed. Secondly, the mulch sheets keep weeds from sprouting which reduces manual labor in the garden. The sheets can also regulate the soil temperature, protect roots from frost, and act as a barrier to keep ants from devouring the fruits to name a few advantages.

How Long Do Mulch Sheets Last?

These sheets are designed to last a single crop growing season. For most crops, a typical growing season is three months. Plastic mulch sheeting can, however, last a little bit longer making them more suitable for perennial plants like strawberries. 

In some cases, gardeners like to repurpose high-quality plastic mulch sheets for a second harvest. With this type of application, it’s best to sow a different type of crop variety that has different nutritional needs so your second harvest won’t become too nutrient deficient. 

Biodegradable mulch sheets only last a single growing season. 

Is Red Mulch Sheeting Effective?

According to some studies, red mulch sheeting has a low R/FR and high R/B ratio and it has been found that red light has a positive effect on phytochrome responses. While red sheeting is effective for boosting growth, you do need to be mindful of what you buy. Transparent red mulch sheeting doesn’t block out enough UV rays and may cause some weeds or grass to grow and bulk up underneath the mulch sheeting. 

Red mulch can be a better option for summer crops since black mulch sheeting might warm up the soil too much which can cause stress to the plant since excessive heat might cause leaf scorching.  

What is the Best Mulch Sheet Type?

This will depend on your needs. Biodegradable or pulp mulch sheeting is better for soil and plant health. Because these materials are made of natural wood pulp, they will naturally nourish the soil while still offering the same growing advantages as plastic mulch. The only disadvantages are that these sheets are a bit pricier and they only last a single harvest.

A thick, high-quality plastic mulch, while not quite as beneficial to soil health, can be repurposed in various growing seasons making it more affordable and practical for commercial gardening. Plastic mulch also has greater water retention abilities compared to paper mulch and as such can preserve more water.  

Best Mulch Paper Brands

If you prefer to invest in a reputable brand then we highly recommend Gardener’s Supply Company. This company has a longstanding history of producing quality and trustworthy gardening products. They have a huge variety of product types including garden supplies, supports and trellises, watering and irrigation systems, edgings, and mulches. 

Weed Guard is also a good brand to consider. This company specializes in gardening tools, supplies, and ground coverings and they have a variety of mulch options including natural fiber rolls that are perfect for organic gardening.  

Wrap Up

All of these paper mulch sheets can be a terrific investment if you want to keep your garden beds moist for longer or if you want to eliminate tedious weed-pulling maintenance tasks. 

If you are looking for a good reusable mulch option or want something affordable then we recommend the red mulch sheeting by Adnee. These sheets can also be a good option for colder areas since they are designed to warm up the growing mediums.

Those who prefer an organic approach can consider the paper mulch sheets from Gardener’s Supply Company. These sheets offer good functionality and great durability. The sheeting will also reduce your overall maintenance since there is no need to pull them up from your garden after use – they naturally biodegrade to nourish your garden.

For commercial gardening or those who are not fond of cutting out plant holes, we recommend the Fyrome perforated sheets. These sheets are priced well and their perforated design eases the planting process a great deal. 

We hope that our guide has made it easier to pick the best mulch for a vegetable garden when considering paper mulch. We would love to hear which one of these you chose to buy and what your growing experience was like. Please let us know in the comments and visit A Nest With a Yard for other handy gardening tips.