Ruth Stout

Ruth Stout was a pioneering American gardener known for advocating a no-work, mulch-based gardening method. She believed that soil should be deeply covered with organic materials like straw to suppress weeds, retain moisture, and improve fertility without the need for digging, tilling, or chemical inputs. Stout's approach emphasized simplicity, saving time and effort, and fostering healthy, productive gardens through natural, continuous mulch layers. Her ideas have inspired sustainable gardening practices that prioritize soil health and minimal labor.