Garden beds require a few components: compost-rich soil full of nutrients with good drainage; soil that is warm enough for seeds to germinate; and moisture to keep plant roots hydrated. Gardeners will ...

Sometimes, a seemingly gentle nudge can hit the rawest of nerves. And it seems that last week’s gentle diatribe on the constantly perplexing practice of volcano mulching was just that kind of nudge.

Fallen leaves make a fine mulch for garden beds and trees and shrubs, but they aren’t the only possibility. “Any kind of organic matter can make a good mulch,” said Sharon Yiesla, plant knowledge ...