Question
My 8 yo and I are arguing about mulch.  I was always told it was made from manure and she says that I'm wrong.  Can you settle this one for me?  Thanks.

Answer
I am with your daughter on this one.

Mulch is a layering of typically coarse matter put on top of soil for purpose of keeping weeds down, soil moisture in (reduce evaporation) and for good looks. Mulch can be stone, plastic, but most organic mulches are shredded bark, shredded leaves, or even compost.

Manure can be used as mulch, but then only a very small amount should be used. Manure is better composted and then mixed with other compost ingredients to create a good compost for mulch or as soil amendment.

Sorry, I think your daughter is right.