The biggest mistake most new gardeners make is mulching too early in the season
. You really need to wait until the soil has warmed up and the danger of frost has passed. Typically for moderate to cold climates this will be about a month into the growing season. If you mulch too soon the primary function of the mulch will work against you. The soil will have a difficult time warming up and this will damage your crop. The problems could range from a late harvest with minimal crop to no crop at all.
As stated earlier, you want to wait about a month after planting before you apply mulch to your garden. As summer approaches and the days are warmer you will find the optimal time to apply mulch around your tomato plants. This is going to help retain moisture in the warm soil. It spreads around the plants to prevent excessive erosion and helps cultivate the soil.
Mulch is also beneficial as it helps to suppress weeds. It also helps to prevent water splash from rain where water splashes up from the soil. This water splash can cause fungus growth on the leaves of your tomato plants. Since it is a protective covering as well, it keeps your tomatoes from dying of parasitic invasion.
When applying mulch you should aim to create a layer that is about 3 inches. You can use organic solutions such as compost, leaves, or straw. Don't forget to consider if those things are available and if they cost too much. Nobody wants a garbage-looking garden so appearance is also important. Finally, you should take a look at the effect it has on the soil because some materials are not suitable for some types of soil.