Mulch Calculator for Vegetable Gardens
Estimate mulch for vegetable gardens to hold moisture and suppress weeds.
Vegetable gardens benefit from about 3 inches of mulch between rows and around plants to retain water and keep weeds down. Straw, shredded leaves, and bark all work. Enter your garden area below to size the order at a 3-inch depth.
Mulch Calculator
Estimate how much you need — and the cost.
- cubic feet 25
- cubic meters 0.708
- tons (US) 0.37
- tonnes 0.34
Tip: Use a lighter mulch like straw around vegetables so it breaks down into the soil by season end.
How it's calculated
1 cubic yard covers about 324 sq ft at 1 in deep / about 108 sq ft at 3 in deep; one 2 cu ft bag covers about 12 sq ft at 2 in deep.
See the full Mulch Calculator for the complete how-to, unit conversions, and data sources.
Mulch Calculator for Vegetable Gardens FAQ
How much mulch for a vegetable garden?
Plan on about 3 inches. A 200 sq ft garden at 3 inches needs roughly 1.85 cubic yards, or about 25 of the 2 cu ft bags.
What kind of mulch is best for vegetables?
Straw, shredded leaves, or grass clippings break down quickly and feed the soil. Avoid dyed bark mulch in food gardens.