Q: What type of mulch do you prefer for garden plantings?

A: I alternate between pine straw for shrubs and trees and mini-sized bark chips for perennials and annuals. I use wheat straw around vegetables to promote beneficial insects. I was pleased with the process of planting my pansies a week ago. The petunias in the bed were mulched with chips back in April. I pulled them out and inserted the pansies in their place, through the chips. No additional mulch was needed!