Growing your own vegetables is only as healthy as the plants and soil that is used. Go one step further and include mulch. If you select mulch that is riddled with chemicals, you are defeating your own purpose. Always choose organic mulch that comes from plant sources and are free from herbicides and pesticides.
Leaves are a good source of mulch for the garden because they decompose quickly and keep weeds from growing. Mulched leaves do take a bit of work since they are light and have a tendency to blow around. To prevent this, allow them to sit and decompose partially before spreading on your garden.
Alfalfa hay provides a good source of nitrogen to the soil and stays in place better than leaves. Other types of hay could have weed seed and brambles throughout, so be careful when purchasing. Alfalfa hay is readily available in rural areas, but can be harder to find in the city.
Sawdust can deter weeds when spread on at least 2 inches thick. Only use about ¼ inch with starter plants and increase as your garden grows. Sawdust contains carbon but very little nitrogen. In fact, it requires nitrogen from the soil in order to break down. It can also become crusty making is difficult for rainwater to reach the soil.
Hemp mulch is becoming popular in the US for its weed-killing ability plus insect deterrent. Snails and slugs find hemp mulch deplorable while earthworms thrive on the material. Made from hemp stalks, this mulch does not require any herbicide or pesticide when growing, making it a perfect type of mulch.
You may have to order hemp mulch from the Internet as it is fairly new. You will find that it is much easier to use, has more benefits to soil and is very aesthetic in appearance.