Rohinton Gatta
|With the winter coming swiftly people think that working in the garden is done but there is a crucial step you should complete before the growing season ends. Mulching your garden beds in the fall is one of the best overlooked practices you can do for the health of your perennial plants and your soil.
You’ll need to take special care of perennials with shallow root systems or recently planted perennials and trees. These plants will be especially susceptible to frost and could heave damaging root systems.
When mulching in the fall clear all annual plant debris out of your garden. Mulch should be spread to a depth of 4 inches. Excess mulch can lead to soggy ground. Avoid burying the plant’s crown as the mulch is put down.
Ensure your garden beds have proper drainage. Overly wet garden beds can also lead to frost heaving and damage to root systems.
Winter months can be long and cold. Your gardens roots will benefit from the added protection of an insulating layer, and your soil will be much richer thanks to your efforts.