Gardens often fall into neglect during winter, but one important task should be completed before November ends to help protect your soil and plants through the cold months
(Image: MoMo Productions via Getty Images)
Winter can be a challenging time for gardeners. Few plants thrive in the frosty months, and harsh weather often results in many flowers and crops dying off, either permanently or until spring’s arrival prompts regrowth.
The cold conditions also make it difficult for gardeners to venture outdoors to tend to their plots, with rain, freezing temperatures, or even snow often proving prohibitive.
Consequently, our gardens often fall into neglect during winter, with tasks being overlooked and a significant tidy-up required once the weather becomes more favourable in spring.
However, one gardening expert has urged individuals to brave the cold and venture into their gardens before November ends to carry out a vital task that could ensure your garden thrives throughout the winter.
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A gardener named Dan posted a video on social media highlighting the importance of mulching, especially during the winter season.
In the Instagram clip, Dan initially showed a section of his garden that he had failed to mulch, revealing it to be frozen solid.
He was unable to lift any clumps of soil or penetrate the mud with his fingers as would be possible if it were soft, reports the Mirror.
He then moved to another part of his garden that he had mulched with a layer of fallen leaves collected from the end of his street.
While the leaves themselves were covered in frost, Dan was able to lift them up, and the earth beneath was perfectly soft as it should be.
Dan elaborated: “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 soil with materials such as wood chips, compost, or straw to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature. During the winter months, it can aid garden plants in surviving harsh temperatures by protecting their roots.
Furthermore, mulching keeps the soil moist, allowing the ecosystem within your soil to thrive. Worms and other creatures residing in your soil will survive the winter if you mulch, which can contribute to stronger plant growth come springtime.
Viewers of Dan’s video expressed gratitude for his advice, with many confessing they hadn’t realised the importance of mulching.
One viewer remarked: “Mulch is fantastic in many ways, thanks for showing another one.”
Another added: “This is a great tutorial. I’m out mulching tomorrow.”
The benefits of mulching your garden
Mulching your garden can provide a host of benefits. It aids in retaining soil moisture, suppressing weeds, regulating soil temperature, preventing soil erosion, improving soil health, reducing soil compaction, and protecting plants.
Additionally, it can give your garden a neater and more refined 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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