Mulch Calculator for a Vegetable Garden
A light mulch layer keeps veggie beds moist and weed-free. Enter your bed size with a 1–2 inch depth.
Shape
Units
Area: 0.0 sq ft
Planning more than one thing? Open the Yard Planner → to trace your whole yard over an aerial photo and total every material at once.
How to measure for mulch
- Measure the length and width of your area in feet.
- Multiply them for square feet (or just enter length and width above).
- Choose a depth — we default to 3 inches for mulch.
- Read your total in cubic yards, or the number of bags.
Mulch for a Vegetable Garden coverage at a glance (3" deep)
| Area (sq ft) | Cubic yards | Bags |
|---|---|---|
| 100 | 1.0 | 14 |
| 200 | 2.0 | 28 |
| 300 | 3.1 | 42 |
| 500 | 5.1 | 69 |
| 1,000 | 10.2 | 138 |
Includes a 10% overage allowance. Estimates are low-fi — confirm with your supplier.
Frequently asked questions
How deep should mulch be in a vegetable garden?
1–2 inches of a light material (straw, shredded leaves, fine bark) is plenty — deep mulch can keep soil too cool and wet for vegetables.
What mulch is safe for vegetables?
Straw, shredded leaves, grass clippings, and untreated bark are common. Avoid dyed or treated mulches around food crops.