Many gardeners are accustomed to providing mulch in summer gardens to retain moisture and eliminate weeding chores. Even though many people are ready to be done with their gardening by the time fall rolls around, taking the time to add a winter mulch might be worth the added effort. A winter mulch provides protection from temperature fluctuations and is especially helpful to fall-planted bulbs, newly planted shrubs and trees, and in perennial beds. Mulch also prevents soil from warming up too rapidly in spring when we have warm days followed by cold snaps which causes bulbs and other plants to grow and bloom early. Ideally, fall mulch is added after the ground freezes with the goal of keeping the ground frozen until spring. That is likely to be early December, depending on weather conditions. If mulch is applied too early, it will act as insulation to warm soil, and may result in continued plant growth that will be easily damaged when cold temperatures arrive. Unmulched ground is exposed to winter sun and may warm up enough to thaw on bright, warmer days (especially in south exposures). Colder night temperatures will cause the ground to re-freeze and expand. This thaw-freeze cycle can easily kill those plants. Organic mulches – shredded leaves, bark or wood, straw or wood chips – provide the best protection, and should be spread about 6 inches thick over the area to be protected. The mulch can be removed gradually as temperatures warm in spring and used to compost other garden areas. A little extra effort at the tail end of the gardening year might pay big dividends the following spring.
