How do you plant seeds in a garden bed full of mulch? America’s favorite retired college horticultural professor, Debbie Flower, and I quickly answered that and then veered into a very scenic bypass - as is our custom. This time: we rank garden mulches from best to worst. If you want to know the best products to use for a mulch - and the ones to avoid - you’ll want to listen. Also: what the worms in your worm bin are trying to tell you about what they want in order to be happy, this fall and winter.It’s episode number 284, Mulches Ranked from Best to Worst. Fall Worm Bin Care.We’re podcasting from Barking Dog Studios here in the beautiful Abutilon Jungle in Suburban Purgatory. It’s the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast, brought to you today by Smart Pots, and Dave Wilson Nursery.  Let’s go!Previous episodes, show notes, links, product information, and TRANSCRIPTS  at the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred, GardenBasics.net. Transcripts and episode chapters also available at BuzzsproutPictured: Four High-Ranked Mulches: Arborist chips, compost, straw, shredded leavesLinks: Subscribe to the free, Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com Sept. 22, 2023 Newsletter: The “Fast Food” GardenFlashback Episode: #238 Teaming with BacteriaPlease Support Our Sponsors!Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/ Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/HeirloomRoses.com Add the code FRED20 at checkout for a 20% discount (good until 10/31/23)Links Mentioned in the Podcast:Sacramento Tree Foundation’s Mulch RankingsSheet MulchingVermicomposting (Raising worms for worm castings)All About Farmer Fred: The GardenBasics.net websiteThe Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the Basics https://gardenbasics.substack.comFarmer Fred website:  http://farmerfred.comThe Farmer Fred Rant! Blog   http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.comFacebook:  "Get Growing with Farmer Fred" Instagram/Threads: farmerfredhoffman https://www.instagram.com/farmerfredhoffman/Twitter: @farmerfredFarmer Fred Garden Minute Videos on YouTube As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases from possible links mentioned here.Got a garden question? • Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics• Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964.• Fill out the contact box at GardenBasics.net• E-mail: fred@farmerfred.com Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter