mulch(n = noun.artifact) - a protective covering of rotting vegetable matter spread to reduce evaporation and soil erosion;
is a kind of protection, protective cover, protective covering
Derived form verb mulch₁

   mulch(v = verb.contact) - cover with mulch; "mulch the flowerbeds"
is one way to cover
Derived form noun mulch₁
Sample sentences: Somebody ----s something

   Half-rotten straw, or any similar light, porous, organic substance strewn on the ground, as over the roots of plants, to protect from heat, drought, etc., and to hinder weed growth and preserve moisture. [1913 Webster]

   To cover or dress with mulch. [1913 Webster]

mulch, n. & v.
--n. a mixture of wet straw, leaves, etc., spread around or over a plant to enrich or insulate the soil.
--v.tr. treat with mulch.

Etymology:
prob. use as noun of mulsh soft: cf. dial. melsh mild f. OE melsc