BEST OVERALL: HOOPLE Garden Weed Barrier Landscape . Chromium, Copper, and Arsenic are chemical compounds used to preserve wood. It will require a larger investment upfront but will last for years without needing to be changed. . A good mulch will prevent weeds from sprouting, conserve moisture, and add nutrients to the soil for healthier plants. With the right mulch, you can make your lawns landscape beautiful. The Mosaic Company is the worlds largest supplier of potash and phosphate. Spread 3 inches deep. Rubber mulch tends to be more expensive than its all-natural competitors but lasts for much longer. Appearance and Odor: Beige, brown, green and/or white fertilizer granules. Use Up and Down arrow keys to navigate search results. So, Vigoro mulches can cover more areas than Scotts. Scotts, however, earned close to an 80 percent positive rating. Your lawn is an extension of your home, and we want to help you enjoy it. Cover the fabric with a layer of decorative mulch for a more natural appearance. You'll find answers to frequently asked gardening questions at the end of this guide. This organic option is made with cow manure, alfalfa meal, and pure earthworm castings. Vigoro mulch is known as a reliable, affordable option. By creating a protective barrier around your plants and over soil, Vigoro mulch will help stabilize soil moisture, moderate soil temperatures, and protect plants from drying out. Use Up and Down arrow keys to navigate search results. As a mom of three, she's written about parenting and family life for At Ease Magazine, Legacy, and Monterey Bay Parent, where she was a monthly columnist. We highlight products and services you might find interesting. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 2023 FAQS Clear - All Rights Reserved Grade A organic mulch, died black, brown and red mulch, certified playground mulch, pure uncut topsoil and wood chips. Fast is an understatement for this grass seed. Choosing mulch is much like choosing plants for the garden. Read Our Guide. In this blog post, I'll try to show you the comparison of the best brand Thompson Creek Vs. Pella Windows: Which One To Pick? Vigoro 0.8 cu. As you can see, Scotts mulch is quite expensive compared to Vigoro mulches. 99 $29.79 $29.79. Mulchs main purpose is to help the soil retain moisture and prevent weed; Scotts mulches do those quite well. You can buy Scotts mulches in supermarkets, fertilizer stores, and other stores near your home. The Premium Wood Mulch is their core product line and it comes in 3 color options; brown, black, and red. The straw is biodegradable and will naturally decay after the seeds sprout. However, the fact that it complements all shades of green makes it an easy choice for . That said, if it gets wet in the first 24 hours, the color will run more, so check the weather before you first put it down and wait a day before watering the plants. Scotts Earthgro is a 1.5 cu ft. brown mulch. Vigoro performed very similar to Scotts on the weed front and is much better for weed preventionr than weed killing. But remember, both mulches have to apply at 3 inches deep. The 4.5-inch wide border is made from recycled shredded rubber tires and comes in a 10-foot roll. I've used my expertise growing up on a farm and tapped into the knowledge of the horticulture specialists and county agents I worked with at Clemson University Extension. Material is essentially non-flammable. By submitting your email address you are agreeing to receive emails with related tips, information, and promotions from Scotts Miracle-Gro, it's affiliates, and select partners and to our Conditions of Use and consent to the collection of your personal information. With ColorGuard technology, these mulches will never fade with time. Unlike bark mulches, the coco mulch doesn't float and can be used on sloped surfaces. It does not prohibit the growth of weeds in garden beds. We found that Scotts fertilizer produces a much more lush looking, dark green grass that looked great. So, it is related to your cost. If youre looking for the best aesthetic option, Scotts is the way to go. Scotts mulches are well known for the color enhancement of the landscape. Best for Vegetables: CleanStraw Long Leaf Pine Straw. However, this is a better quality product with a higher price tag. Increase soil temperature, conserve soil moisture, keep . Colored mulch does need to be replaced at the end of the season or more often, depending on how much sun it receives. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. By creating a protective barrier around your plants and over soil, VIGORO Brown Mulch will stabilize soil moisture, moderate soil temperatures and protect plants from drying out. RUBBER MULCH -Beware Rubber mulch is typically made from ground up recycled tires and has generated a lot of discussion on the benefits and risks or dangers of using it. On the contrary, you can cover 8 square feet with one bag of Vigoro mulch, and with 6 bags, you can cover 48 square feet. As a result, your soil remains hydrated, and weeds cannot grow. Without sunlight, most weeds won't grow. Is mulch harmful for dogs? Assorted color, no wonder your landscape will look superb. Although it does break down eventually, it will last for years to come. Take love :), Your email address will not be published. This one is available in black, brown, and red, and it uses the same ColorGuard Technology to make sure that it stays vibrant until it has completely broken down. It is made from higher-quality materials and the ColorGuard Technology means that it stays looking good for longer. Required fields are marked *. Not only this, when applied to a 3 inches layer, it will effectively protect your landscape from unnecessary weeds by blocking sunlight and their natural growth eventually. Vigoro also offers a rubber option, which is great if you don't want to replenish the mulch when it degrades. Learn more. It is more expensive, but you get better quality for the money. Besides, you will get a natural and complete look at your landscape. Lightly spray the straw so it stays intact and activates the bonding agent. in addition, the brown mulch will control erosion and moderate weed growth. The black rubber blends in well, helps keep the lighter compost in place, and is sturdy to combat harsh wind conditions. If youre looking for a black mulch that will keep its vibrant shade for a full year, Earthgro by Scotts is a great product. Vigoro also offers a rubber option, which is great if you dont want to replenish the mulch when it degrades. Instead it leaches the dye along with the possible contaminants (chromium, copper, arsenic and others) into the soil harming or even killing beneficial soil bacteria, insects, earthworms and sometimes the plants themselves. For those beginning a new garden, Scotts Topsoil is the perfect addition to spruce up the area before and during planting. , Tall fescue. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Hi! Scotts mulch is made of natural products. The EZ-Straw Seeding Mulch with Tack will do just that and more, as one bag covers 500 square feet and facilitates the growth of fresh grass. This is a compound of iron and oxygen. Made from forest products, Earthgro Mulch helps conserve soil moist. Recycled rubber mulch, like organic mulch, retains soil moisture, regulates soil temperature, and prevents weeds. I spend an average of 20 hours reading everyday. You have drawn some basic knowledge about the mulches. Vigoro offers a good line of natural wood mulch in different colors, and they also have a rubber mulch too. For a long-lasting mulch that will not fade or deteriorate, rubber mulch is the way to go. document.getElementById("ak_js_1").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Best Budget: Vigoro Premium Colorized Mulch. My name is Jamie, The Backyard Pros is a website where I piece together articles about all my awesome yard ideas. This guide will compare the two to help you decide which is the best option for your yard. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Water's only part of what you need to fix those dead spots in your lawn and keep them from coming back. (7 Possibilities), 6 Types of Grass in Hawaii (The Ultimate Guide), 9 Easy Ways to Cover a Pergola from Rain and Sun. Black mulch also does well in commercial areas due to its long-lasting color. In terms of longevity, this mulch is not the best performer out there. Is Lowes and Home Depot owned by the same company? With ColorGuard Technology, Scotts mulch offers deeper and better colors. Learn how your comment data is processed. So is vigorous mulch safe? Contact Greenway Products & Services today online or . Phone: Does vigoro mulch have cocoa? Carbon-based and iron oxide-based dyes are the most common types of dyes used in wood mulch coloring. Black mulch also does well in commercial areas due to its long-lasting color. Iron oxide, the most widely used dye, is made up of a mixture of iron and oxygen. Yard-to-you 1 Cubic Yard Brown Mulch . 0 0 . When You Breathe In Your Diaphragm Does What? These larger mulches are ideal for mulching shrubs and trees. Nowadays, mulch colorants are made with either iron oxide (for red) or carbon black (for black), which are both safe for use in pets and humans. Weeds or any unwanted plant growth are best controlled with a mulch that blocks sunlight completely. Organic mulch is made to break down and provide additional nutrients to the soil as it decomposes. Helps prevents weeds.A 2- to 3-inch layer of mulch naturally helps prevents weed from sprouting and taking over the landscape by blocking their growth and access to sunlight. Mulch is used to create a barrier between the soil underneath and the environment. By helping create a protective barrier around your plants and over soil, Vigoro mulch will stabilize soil moisture, moderate soil temperature extremes, and will protect plants from drying out. Your soil can preserve moisture with the help of Scotts mulches. Mulch is a natural material that is beneficial to plants and landscaping. It helps the trees, flowers, and vegetables grow in perfect condition. You need at least two to four inches of mulch to make an impact. One bag of Scotts Mulch can cover 6 square feet of land, and with 6 bags, you can cover 36 square feet of land. Applying Vigoro mulch is also easy as Scotts. Organic mulch includes anything that is made from a natural material, such as wood, paper, straw, grass clippings, or compost, that will decompose over time. Scotts also gives you less coverage per bag around 6 square feet compared with the 8 square feet you get from Vigoro. It will cost you more money than Vigoro, but you know you are getting something that will yield results. Access your favorite topics in a personalized feed while you're on the go. Whatever type of mulch you use, be sure to use a generous amount. It does not harm the soil and the crops as well. MulchWorx Brown Mulch Color Concentrate - 2,800 Sq. It does break down and fade faster than some of its competitors, but if you are looking to upgrade your outdoor space without spending a lot of money, Vigoro mulches will deliver a big bang for your buck. Statements made sale day take precedence over all other printed materials. . ", "acceptedAnswer": {"@type": "Answer", "text": "There are some carbon-based dyes used on mulch. It can also prevent weeds from sprouting, as they do not get sufficient sunlight to germinate and grow. The bulky nature of these larger mulches around garden plants, on the other hand, makes them difficult to maneuver as plants grow. So, if you are concerned about the mulchs effectiveness as a decorative feature, this may be the better option. This Premium Mocha Brown Mulch from Wood Ecology's has a rich, earthy color that will complement your lawn or garden. Type: Inorganic | Use: Temperature regulation, weed prevention, moisture conservation. 1. This comes with a guarantee that there are no construction materials (which can be found in mulch made from pallets) which can damage the soil. VIGORO Brown Mulch is a 100% premium wood mulch that will protect and enhance your landscape with a natural, finished look. ", "acceptedAnswer": {"@type": "Answer", "text": "Is dyed mulch safe for vegetable gardens? Type: Inorganic | Use: Weed prevention, plant growth. Made from premium wood fiber with minimal bark content. In addition, the mulch will control erosion and moderate weed growth. What is Vigoro mulch made from? Differences Between Scotts Triple Action And Weed And Feed, Differences Between Jonathan Green And Scotts Lawn Food. According to my above discussion, there is no clear winner here. With 95% of our potash leaving Canada, we are a powerhouse exporter. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. backyardproscontact@gmail.com Who Can Benefit From Diaphragmatic Breathing? It comes with Scotts Color Advantage feature and retains color for a year. SECTION - IV - FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARD DATA Flash Point: NA Flammable Limits: LEL: NA UEL: NA Extinguishing Media: Water spray, dry chemical, CO2, sand, or fine earth. The "best one" depends on garden soil conditions, drainage, the aesthetics you desire, and how much you want to spend. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Conversely, Vigoro mulches are not as available as Scotts. Test your soil, add any nutrients it needs, then rake the mulch back over to cover. One bag of Scotts Mulch can cover 6 square feet of land, and with 6 bags, you can cover 36 square feet of land. To maintain its appearance and strength, it'll need to be replaced on a yearly or bi-yearly . Oversized, large or heavy items excluded. Required fields are marked *. To help encourage good drainage to keep the ground drier and prevent washouts from downspouts, this area can be topped with natural stone or an inorganic mulch like plastic or rubber pellets. Your credit card on file will not automatically be charged following . Covers approximately 12 square feet at 2" depth. This means that as your mulch ages, it may not function very well as a mulch. This paper mulch/fertilizer combo keeps water in, regulates temperature, and stays put thanks to the included tackifier. When she is not writing about products for Business Insider, you can find her entering recipe contests and searching for the best shells on the beach. Both offer a wood mulch line, but Scotts use reclaimed forest wood while Vigoro uses scrap wood (like most mulch brands). 2. Mulch made from recycled tires is nonorganic. The composition of most black mulch is harmless to the vegetable plant. Vigoro also sells a Premium Rubber Mulch, made from recycled rubber. . This is a great option to fill in holes or improve bare patches in your lawn. As an Amazon Associate, I Earn From Qualifying Purchases. 00 Cents / each. So, Vigoro gives you more coverage for a lower price. Before adding more layers, remove as many of the old ones as possible. However, there is a big difference where longevity of color is concerned. Scotts offers two lines of mulch; the Nature Scapes and the Earthgro. Scotts Nature Scapes Color Enhanced Mulch (Forest Brown, Sierra Red, & Classic Black), 2. Keep mulch several inches from tree trunks and house . Premium Wood Mulch (Brown, Black, & Red), 1. Our top pick for most mulch application needs is the Texas Native Hardwood Mulch (view at Lowe's) for its low cost, durability, and all-natural material. The other great thing about rubber mulch is that it doesnt attract bugs and termites in the same way that wood mulch does. There are some carbon-based dyes used on mulch. In respect to this, does Home Depot own vigoro? Canada. This type of mulch is ideal for gardens and landscapes because it helps to retain moisture and keep weeds away. Grass Clippings: 1-6 months. Rubber mulch won't provide soil with organic material but will control weeds, and you don't need to replace it as often as wood. Product Overview. In fact, iron oxide can be found in many cosmetic products while carbon black is virtually used in every consumer product that is made of rubber.M"}}, {"@type": "Question", "name": "Is black mulch toxic? Either option makes an attractive addition to your garden, yard, or landscaping. If your lawn is looking thin and worn, overseeding can help you get back to the thick, lush, green lawn you've always wanted. The Scotts Nature Scapes Color Enhanced Mulch is a premium mulch available in 3 different colors; Forest Brown, Sierra Red, and Classic Black). Vigoro Mulch also comes in a range of colors, so it has great aesthetic appeal too. The weight is somewhere from 150-200Lbs. Was mulch used to kill the plants? If low-maintenance options are your priority, Vigoro rubber mulch comes out on top. The picture shows how much & fast it grew in just 2-3 weeks. To get the benefit of improving the soil (in addition to the rest of the mulch benefits), youll want to select a wood mulch variety. Mulch can be made from natural materials, such as wood, straw, clippings, compost, or even paper. Dyed mulches, whether black or brown, are more appealing than natural mulches as a result. Recycled tires mulch is not organic. ", "acceptedAnswer": {"@type": "Answer", "text": "Black mulch is made of a variety of different materials, including wood chips, lava rock and rubber. Project Guide. There is also a big price difference between the two, with Scotts being more expensive than Vigoro. It's easy to use and maintain and perfect for playgrounds and play areas. Some mulches come shredded, and they offer your landscape a beautiful look. The main differentiating feature is the ColorGuard Technology, which locks in the color and guarantees that it wont fade. Follow along to keep your yard up to date! Natural Mulch: Organic mulch is usually made from wood chips. One bag will cover eight square feet when placed three inches deep. It's easy to use and maintain and perfect for playgrounds and play areas. So, Vigoro mulches can cover more areas than Scotts. Besides, you can also buy them in various online stores, including Amazon, Lowes, Home Depot, etc. The seed is perfect for my Texas climate as it has superior heat and drought tolerance. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Because it doesnt decompose as easily, it lasts longer than organic. In Canada, our two flag-ship facilities are in Saskatchewan (near Esterhazy and Belle Plaine). This warm season grass is one of the highest quality, low maintenance grasses around. This should not surprise us since we associate carbon with charcoal. Best for Flower Beds: Soil Blend Super Compost 8 lbs. World rights reserved. Our land is covered in Pine trees. But, since black attracts and retains sunlight and heat, this mulch cannot be used in areas with delicate plants. For the best weed control, use a layer of landscaping fabric held in place with landscaping staples to completely block light from the soil. This may not be the most beautiful mulch you've ever seen, but it's extremely helpful in the garden. Inorganic mulch includes anything made from synthetic materials, such as rubber mulch or plastic weed cloth. Showed excellent germination and growth in a very short time Great experience! Make sure to apply it in the correct quantity. How to use: The amount applied to your pot depends on your plant's size. Here is a quick guide to mulch decomposition rates by type: Bark Mulch: 7-10 years. Scotts Topsoil is a mixture of organic soil and peat moss, which helps build strong roots to your existing grass. Wet mulch sticks as well, making it more difficult to spread and clean off the driveway in the end. Vigoro also offers two lines of mulch, but they give you more choice. It lasts longer than organic because it does not break easily. Iron oxide can be found in a variety of cosmetics, while carbon black is almost always used in every rubber-based consumer product. There is no evidence that the dyes used to color wood chip mulch are toxic at this time. ", "acceptedAnswer": {"@type": "Answer", "text": "Black mulch is dyed with carbon. Earthgro by Scotts Mulch (Black, Brown, & Red). Red mulchs vibrant color complements light plants and works well in rock gardens. When you buy through our links, Insider may earn an affiliate commission. It can also prevent weeds and control the temperature, so plants are not burned in hot weather. Per 1 BagAvailabilityEasily AvailableLess AvailablePriceAround $42Around $3.33. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. Furthermore, the dark mulch will reduce erosion and weed growth. Compost is a great way to mulch flower beds since it provides nutrients to the soil and looks neat and attractive as well. Thanks to Vigoro Lawn Fertilizer. ", "acceptedAnswer": {"@type": "Answer", "text": "I sometimes encounter customers who ask, u201cIs colored mulch toxic?u201d. Plus, do not use it around any growing plants. trend www.homedepot.com. Mulch is any material that is used to cover the soil, either with a particular purpose or just to beautify the space. If your dog, for some reason, ingests the fibres, they can be easily digested. Type: Organic | Use: Soil conditioning, root development, weed prevention. ", "acceptedAnswer": {"@type": "Answer", "text": "Cocoa bean mulch"}}, {"@type": "Question", "name": "Is black mulch a good idea? BothScotts Nature Scapes Color Enhanced MulchandScotts Nature Scapes Triple Shred Mulchare made from natural recovered forest materials, not ground-up pallets or construction debris. Mary holds a master's degree in Journalism from the University of South Carolina. The Earthgro Mulch is their range made from reclaimed forest materials. Add beauty and safety to landscape groundcover applications with Vigoro Rubber Mulch. While the contrast with green leaves and bright flowers is striking, black wood chips absorb heat on warm, sunny days. Home Depot also owns many house brands, such as Husky, Hampton Bay, and LifeProof. Email: The makers of Vigoro Premium Red Mulch say their product lasts up to 12 years. Coarse Organic Mulch Bark nuggets and coarse organic mulches can last up to three years. Our rubber mulch prices are $315 for a 2,000-pound bag, shown here, or $6 per 24-pound bag. This can help regulate the temperature of the soil and retain moisture, both beneficial to the roots of plants growing in the mulch. I use mulch for bedding for my meet birds, the more broken down the better, left out in the elements for a couple seasons even, then it gets composted with the manure and becomes wonderful garden compost. Step #5 - Level out the mulch. This mulch, however, cannot be used in areas with delicate plants because black attracts and retains sunlight and heat. Required fields are marked *. notes that two quarts of mulch is adequate for several plants. Buying Mulch in Bulk . If you are a pet owner, its best to steer clear of these types of mulch completely. The Spruce uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Before winter, I use empty feed bags to bag some up. Brown Vs. Black Mulch. "}}, {"@type": "Question", "name": "Is black mulch harmful? There is no need to remove old mulch; spread a new layer on top so old and new together reach the right depth for plants. As a home owner and as someone with garden centre experience, I know plenty about backyard and lawn care products. You can get the full range of Vigoro mulch from Home Depot, and this is the most reliable place to buy it. This type of mulch is often more expensive to set up but can last for a long time and look great. This can be a pro or a con, depending on your reason for laying mulch. {"@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "FAQPage", "mainEntity": [{"@type": "Question", "name": "Is black mulch treated with chemicals? However, it offers superior water retention and weed protection, and better color. ORGANIC MULCH: Wood Chips, Nuggets, or Bark. This is especially true in the rainy spring season. It is also a finely shredded mulch, resulting in fewer large pieces that can wash away or get into your grass. Here Ill show comprehensive differences between the two to understand which one will be better for your garden. Both bases for these dyes are considered natural, non-toxic and safe for handling.A"}}, {"@type": "Question", "name": "What is the safest mulch to use? What is Vigoro brown mulch made of? I am Ralph Wade and welcome to my blog. There are nearly as many varieties of mulch as there are plants. It will create a protective barrier around your plants and over the soil to stabilize moisture and protects plants from drying. Reviews. Apply water after 24 hours to your colored mulches and see long-lasting color results. Both windows have unique Hi. If you're concerned about a possible insect infestation, use only an inch or so of organic mulch nearest the foundation and inspect often for termites. Read our, Texas Native All-Natural Hardwood Mulch at Home Depot, Vigoro Premium Colorized Mulch at Home Depot, CleanStraw Long Leaf Pine Straw at Maxwarehouse.com, Soil Blend Super Compost 8 lbs. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. The company produces potash, nitrogen and other fertilizer ingredients at mines in Saskatchewan and the United States. ", "acceptedAnswer": {"@type": "Answer", "text": "When it comes to the garden, organic and natural is the best way to go. ft. Mocha Brown Bagged Rubber Mulch . Vigoro Rubber Mulch: While it looks like wood mulch and is more durable (lasts for years), it does not provide . Thats why they are very effective. Some cheap dyes, however, can be dyed with harmful or toxic chemicals. Colorized mulch does fade over time so to maintain the most vibrant looks, you should plan to replace it at least once per season. 2002-2022 The Scotts Company LLC. Mulch can do wonders to keep weeds at bay in your vegetable garden. This dyed wood mulch does not break down to enrich the soil as good mulch should. Dyed mulches (black, red, green, and other colors) are usually made up of recycled wood waste (with a few exceptions). 's Houseplant Mulch is our top pick because it promotes moisture retention and growth for indoor and outdoor potted plants alike. Email us at reviews@insider.com. How To Stop My Dog From Eating Wood Chips? You can also buy inorganic mulch, which could be made of fabric, plastic, rocks, pebbles, seashells, lava rocks, and rubber. $535.00. Over the years, Home Depot has purchased many companies, including Home Decorators Collection, Home Mart, Interline Brands, and The Home Way. Our best overall pick, theTexas Native All-Natural Hardwood Mulch, is all-natural, provides excellent moisture retention, and has a rich color that won't fade over time. Pros: eliminates weeding, made of recycled rubber, no strong color, creates a precise look for your garden, How to use: Hold it up at the intersection of the grass and soil, then cut to your liking. Skip to main content Skip to footer content. Pros: Protects freshly seeded areas, biodegradable, covers 500-square-feet, comes in a heavy-duty bag for easy storage. Its a great option if you have a large area to cover because one bag will cover around 8 square feet (with a 3 inch layer). Vigoro is the cheaper option of the two. On the other hand, Vigoro offers premium quality mulches that effectively enhance the beauty of a landscape and protect it from weeds. I'm not sure I should use it in our vegetable garden. I just kept the seed wet and it. Because the bark mulch reduces water evaporation, your tropical house plants will require less watering. Chromium, Copper, and Arsenic are chemical compounds used to preserve wood. It smells good and feels good to chew. ", "acceptedAnswer": {"@type": "Answer", "text": "Carbon, used to produce black mulch, is an element often used for ink or paint. Brown; View Label - Black; View Label - Red; Safety Data Sheets can be found at scottsmsds.com; bvseo_sdk, dw_cartridge, 18.2.0, p_sdk . Best for Flower Beds: Soil Blend Super Compost 8 lbs. Model# 52050196 (15136) $ 3 33. In this case, you should remove and dispose of the mulch safely. Click to see full answer. #514-1231 Pacific Blvd We watered for 3 weeks, 3 times a day, to keep the soil moist during germination. Vigoro Red Mulch is a 100% premium wood bagged mulch that will protect and enhance your landscape providing a natural, finished look. Pros: Nontoxic, low maintenance, can be used on sloped surfaces, adds some color to your garden, How to use: Hydrate with four gallons of water and each block will expand to two cubic feet of mulching medium.