Chopped Leaves

• Chopped-leaf mulch is often made from dead leaves saved from the previous autumn. If you have no leaves, purchase this mulch at your local community garden center. This type of mulch is a cost-effective solution for home gardens. Leaf mulch decomposes quickly and needs replacing several times over the growing season.
  
  

Straw and Hay

• Straw or hay bales are available at landscape and garden supply centers. A layer of straw or hay is easily spread over the top of and around cucumber plants. As the straw and hay decomposes, it adds extra nutrients to the soil. Although it's one of the easiest mulches to apply, a very thick layer -- at least 5 inches thick -- is needed to effectively prevent weed growth.
  
  

Newspaper

• Shredded newspaper is also used as a simple mulch. Do not use dark-colored newsprint, though, as the chemicals will leach into the soil as the newspaper decomposes. Newspaper mulch approximately 7 inches thick prevents weed growth in the garden.
  
  

Wood or Bark Chips

• Wood or bark chips are found at community garden centers or from a local landscaping center. This type of mulch is one of the most aesthetically pleasing mulches, but it's also one of the most expensive. Using only wood mulch for a permanent vegetable garden is not suggested, as long-term use leaches nitrogen. Using wood or bark mulch for small areas around cucumber plants is a good option, however, as the wood chips keep dirt from splashing onto the plant, keeping it cleaner and drier.