Best mulches for tomatoes?

[blackthumb]

I’m ignorant of mulches.

In your opinion, categorically what is the best mulch for tomatoes?

An internet search suggests straw is a popular mulch for tomatoes.

How about cedar to reduce pests? Or is cedar bad for tomatoes?

Are other hardwood mulches ok or good for tomatoes?

Pine?

Cyprus?


Categories:

• Moisture retention.
  
• Runoff/spatter prevention
  
• Pest prevention
  
• Other disease prevention.
  

Please feel free to suggest other categories and mulch types.

[catherinew]

shredded leaves - 3-4" as they degrade quickly. Add more during the season.

[Dak]

I mostly just use black plastic for tomatoes.