Gardeners everywhere are sold on mulch – there is no denying its benefits as a weed deterrent, soil conditioner, and moisture holder. Most of us think of mulch as dead stuff – decaying organic matter that will gradually return to the earth. But living plants can serve as mulches too, performing all of the protective functions of more usual mulch materials.
Lettuce makes a great living mulch. It's quick to sprout, fast to fill in, and best of all, you can eat it too! Try pretty red tinged oakleaf lettuce around the perennials, or use bright green leaf lettuce to punch up a bed of purple flowers and other deep colours. The nutrients used by the lettuce won't cause a drain on other plants needs if your soil is of average fertility or better.
When the lettuce begins to push up taller flowering stems, simply mulch over it with compost or other materials. It will quickly decompose and feed the soil a dose of nitrogen.
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