Here’s the Best Time to Mulch for Winter, According to an Expert

Garden got the winter blues? Mulching is one of the easiest ways to protect your plants, winterize your garden, and set your outdoor space up for a stronger, healthier spring. As gardening expert Angelika Zaber from Online Turf explains, “Mulching is important for gardens going into winter as it helps to avoid soil erosion and suppresses weeds, making sure your garden gets the best possible start once spring comes around.” With the right timing and placement, winter mulching can protect roots, help conserve moisture, and even improve soil quality. Got questions? Here’s everything to know about when, how, and where to mulch for winter.

Why is mulching important for gardens going into winter?

Mulch isn’t just a tidy ground cover — it does real work for your garden when temperatures drop. Zaber notes that “a thick layer of mulch helps to retain moisture in the soil and insulates your plants at the roots, helping them to survive as we transition into colder temperatures.” That extra insulation protects your plants from harsh swings in temperature and keeps tender roots from freezing.

It gets even better when you use the right kind of mulch. According to Zaber, “if you use organic mulch, such as compost or well-rotted manure, it will also break down over time and improve the structure of your soil.” That means mulch is doing double duty: shielding plants now and building better soil for future seasons.

When and where should gardeners mulch for winter?

Getting the timing right makes all the difference. Zaber says “the best time to mulch plants going into winter is from late autumn to early winter, before the first frost occurs.” Waiting too long can backfire. “If the ground is frozen, you may actually end up trapping the cold and causing more damage,” she explains. Early, well-timed mulching gives soil and roots a chance to settle into winter the right way.

Placement matters too. Zaber suggests garden lovers should “put the mulch around the base of any sensitive plants along with any younger plants to give them the best chance over winter.” She also recommends spreading mulch across “any flower and vegetable beds that you may have,” so the whole garden benefits from that extra layer of protection.