Lava rocks

[DavidPT40]

I see bags of red and black lava rocks (about the size of golf balls) at local stores. Could these be used as mulch around vegetables and fruits (tomatoes, berries, squash, etc)?

[tmtresh]

You should be careful using lava rocks as mulch. They shouldn't be used anywhere you want tender plants to grow. The rocks tend to cut the stems as they move around, especially if you walk on them. They also attract sun, so they get quite hot. If you do decide to use them for anything, remember to put plastic or similar underneath, so they don't sink into the ground. Try newspaper, leaves, dry grass clippings, or compost as mulch.