What is the difference between compost and mulch?

Compost should be worked into the soil (eventually, at least) to make it more fertile. Mulch, by contrast, is spread atop the soil, both to protect the soil from the elements and to suppress weeds. While it is true that organic mulches will eventually decompose, thereby themselves becoming compost, their function as long as they serve

Mulch – What Is It and Which Mulch Should You Use Where?

   What is Mulch?

Mulch is any type of material that is spread or laid    over the surface of the soil as a covering. It is used   to retain moisture in the soil, suppress weeds, keep the soil cool and make the garden bed look more attractive. Organic mulches also help improve the soil’s fertility, as they decompose.

Organic Mulch

Examples of organic mulches include:

• Bark, Shredded or Chipped
• Compost
• Composted Manure
• Grass Clippings
• Newspaper
• Shredded Leaves
• Straw

Organic mulch will decompose and have to be replaced, however in the process it will also improve your soil’s fertility and, of course, its organic content. Generally the dryer and woodier the mulch, the slower it will decompose and the less nutrients it will give to the soil.

To read this article: http://gardening.about.com/od/gardenmaintenance/a/Mulch.htm

How to Mulch