6. Deep mulching- carbon, moisture, soil biota (fungi) – Deep mulching is easy and very forgiving. A thick layer of mulch, 3-6″, maintains soil moisture by limiting evaporation and helps to keep the ground relatively cool in the summer and warm in the winter. As the mulch breaks down, carbon and nutrients are released into the soil, just the same as fallen leaves in the forest. The layer of carbon rich mulch also provides a home to fungi which are a critical part of soil development and plant health. Heavy bark or hardwood mulches might be suffocating if they are put on too deep, but rotted hay, straw and leaves all make deep mulches.