Winter is a challenging time for gardeners. There aren’t many plants that thrive in the winter months, and the harsh weather can mean that many flowers and crops will die off, either for good or until the spring comes around and they start growing again.
It’s also difficult for gardeners themselves to get outside to tend to their gardens, because it’s either raining, freezing cold, or sometimes, even snowing. All this means our gardens often enter a state of disrepair over the winter, with jobs falling by the wayside and an inevitable clean-up needing to be done once the weather warms up in spring.
But one gardening expert has urged people to get out in their gardens before the end of November to complete one very important task that could help your garden thrive throughout the winter.
A gardener named Dan posted a video on social media in which he compared two sections of his garden to show the importance of mulching, especially in the winter months.
In the Instagram clip, Dan first showed the ground that he didn’t mulch, and it was frozen solid. He was unable to pick up any clumps of soil, and couldn’t stick his fingers into the mud like you would be able to if it was soft.
He then went over to a different section of his garden that he had mulched with a layer of fallen leaves that he had picked up from the end of his road. While the leaves themselves were covered in a layer of frost, Dan was able to pick them up and the soil underneath was perfectly soft as it should be.
Dan said: “That soil is very, very soft. It’s got a lot of moisture in it, and it’s not frozen over. It’s cold, but it’s not frozen. That is why we mulch.”
Mulching is the process of covering a soil surface with a layer of material such as wood chips, compost, or straw to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature. In the winter, it can help the plants you have in your garden survive cold temperatures by protecting their roots.
What’s more, mulching also keeps the soil moist so that the ecosystem in your soil can thrive. Worms and other insects that live in your soil will survive the winter if you mulch your soil, which can help your plants grow healthier when spring comes.
Commenters on Dan’s video were thankful for his tip, as many said they didn’t know mulching was so important.
One person said: “Mulch is fantastic in many ways, thanks for showing another one.”
Another added: “This is a great tutorial. I’m out mulching tomorrow.”
How and why you should mulch your garden
Mulching your garden has a number of benefits. It retains moisture in the soil, suppresses weeds, regulates soil temperature, prevents soil erosion, improves soil health, reduces soil compaction, and protects plants. It can also give your garden a neater and more finished look.
To mulch your garden this winter, follow these steps:
1. Choose the right mulch
Organic mulches: Shredded bark, wood chips, straw, grass clippings, compost, leaves.Inorganic mulches: Gravel, pebbles, landscape fabric, black plastic.
2. Prepare the area
Remove weeds and water the soil thoroughly.Loosen the soil if compacted.
3. Apply the mulch
Spread mulch evenly around plants, leaving a small gap around stems/trunks to prevent rot.For most gardens, apply a 2–4 inch (5–10 cm) layer.For vegetable gardens, use lighter mulches like straw or shredded leaves.
4. Maintain the mulch
Replenish as needed, especially organic mulches that decompose over time.Check for pests or mold, and fluff mulch if it becomes compacted.
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