You might think that since summer’s over, your garden tasks are totally over, too — but there’s actually a lot you can do right now to make your garden healthier and more lush this spring. Raking, pruning, swapping summer annuals out for pretty fall flowers like pansies and mums … all of these tasks can help you create the garden of your dreams. But since no one’s time is unlimited, I’m here to tell you that if you only do one thing this fall, make it this: Mulch your garden beds.
As a master gardener, I have over a decade of experience in growing and maintaining my own garden, and learning how to help others do that, too. And mulching my garden beds in fall is one task I never skip. Here’s why I mulch in fall (and why you should, too).
It makes my garden look prettier.
In the dead of winter, your yard can look, well … dead. A fresh layer of mulch in a rich brown or black color will help spruce up garden beds while you wait for spring buds and blooms.
It protects plants in dry weather.
Mulch helps hold moisture in the soil and keeps your plants’ roots happy and hydrated. That will be important this year especially, since The Old Farmer’s Almanac predicts that this fall will be drier than normal for most of the country.
It protects plants from too much moisture, too.
On the other hand, during heavy rains, mulch will absorb excess water, preventing plants from drowning. Some woody perennials, such as hydrangeas, don’t like soggy soil; they can suffer root rot and fungal growth. Also, overly saturated soil can lose valuable nutrients through leaching. Mulch helps prevent all of that!
Winter precipitation can also add to erosion problems. If you’ve got a sloped garden bed, a layer of mulch can help prevent soil from washing away.
It insulates hibernating plants.
If you live in a cold climate, mulch acts like a blanket, insulating plant roots and protecting them from winter frost and snow.
It prevents weeds.
Just because the weather is cooler doesn’t mean weeds have stopped growing — they’re still out there! Mulch blocks sunlight and suppresses weeds, meaning you’ll have fewer weeds to pull in fall and spring. That means less work later!
It’s beneficial for the soil.
As mulch breaks down, it becomes organic matter that enriches the soil — so even old much is helping your garden beds. The nutrients from decomposing mulch help feed beneficial microorganisms, and also help create a more oxygen-rich soil that helps plants grow stronger. Basically, this fall’s mulch will be next spring’s fertilizer.
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How to Add Mulch to Garden Beds
Have I convinced you to add mulch to your garden beds this fall? If so, you’ll need to know where to start.
How much mulch do you need? The rule of thumb is a three- to four-inch-thick layer. Use this handy calculator from The Old Farmer’s Almanac to help you figure out how much to buy.
What type of mulch should you use? Bark is the most common type of mulch. Pine needles, wood chips, and straw are also good options. Just note that pine needles make soil more acidic, so they’re best used around evergreens. If you choose straw, make sure it’s not hay, which contains seeds that can turn into weeds.
For edible gardens, always use undyed organic mulch like this one. Dyed mulch may contain treated wood, and the chemicals can leach into the soil — you certainly don’t want that in your veggie garden.
Brown Wood Shredded Bagged Mulch
Brown Wood Shredded Bagged Mulch
Home Depot
$4
Buy Now
Premium Brown Wood Shredded Bagged Mulch
Premium Brown Wood Shredded Bagged Mulch
Home Depot
$3
Buy Now
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