Compost can be used for that purpose but I never would since other materials are too readily available and I never have enough compost to to the job. Why would things like grass clippings and/or wood chips be unacceptable?

I find that finished compost gets too weedy for a mulch- seeds germinate easily on its surface.

Everyone has their own preferences of course, but I use compost or a compost-based product (commercially produced) as a mulch on a regular basis throughout my garden. It achieves all the benefits that any mulch intends as well as eliminates the need to provide any supplemental fertilizing. It also suppresses weed development as effectively as any other mulch product and what weed seeds that do germinate on the surface are easily removed.

Personally, I prefer the appearance of a finely screened compost as a mulch in a perennial garden or mixed border planting over coarser material like wood chips or bark or messy things like grass clippings.

I use compost as mulch. It can get a little weedy, but I control for the weeds by sprinkling corn gluten on top of the compost.

I have used compost as a mulch ever since I first started making compost. As mentioned above, the appearance is great, it is my fertilizer, any weeds (and they are sparse) pull out easily, it keeps in moisture and helps break down the clay. I use it as a first choice for mulch and when I run out, then I go for the other choices.

tj

I can't make enough compost to use what I do get from my two 4 X 4 bins every year for mulch. About 1/2 inch over the planting beds, covered with shredded leaves, is the best I can do.

I'm very happy to know I wasn't dreaming about using the compost as mulch, though I did have an odd dream last week about getting into a worm (throwing) fight with my neighbor over Red Wigglers vs E.Nightcrawlers. At least I HOPE that was a dream . . .

Kimmsr, I have used grass clippings and wood chips in different gardens in the past and at this moment have a bed of ornamental grasses mulched with grass clippings. However, like Gardengal, I prefer the way the compost looks with my perennials. I think I may use some shredded leaves with the compost in my shade garden. Glad you mentioned it.

Thanks to you all for taking the time to reply.
PattiOh