Growing Green

By Robin Trott, Extension Educator

Protecting your Minnesota garden goes beyond the usual watering and pruning routine. In our unpredictable winters, there’s a simple yet crucial solution: Mulch. Whether it’s wood chips, leaves or straw, this layer plays a vital role in safeguarding your plants.

Mulch has year-round benefits. In summer it conserves moisture, suppresses weeds, controls erosion and enhances your garden’s appearance. It acts as a barrier, preventing water from splashing onto foliage and reducing the spread of disease. As fall arrives, mulch moderates soil temperatures, shielding plants from harmful temperature fluctuations.

During extreme cold, especially into single digits, mulch becomes a frontline defense for plants at the soil surface where most roots are. It prevents frost heave, a phenomenon that can force plants out of the ground, exposing them to harsh temperature and potential demise. Certain plants, such as recently planted bulbs, perennials, shrubs and trees benefit greatly from this added layer of protection.

Choosing the right mulch is crucial. Straw is lightweight and easy to spread, and makes an excellent winter mulch. Its hollow stems trap air, enhancing insulation. Other options include raking leaves onto beds, using mowed leaves or bagging leaves (which are easily removed in spring). Timing mater; waiting for the ground to freeze is ideal, but early application is better than none. Apply 3-4 inches of mulch around Zone 4 plants. Use 6 inches of mulch if you are experimenting with less hardy, more vulnerable plants

When mulching young or newly planted trees, keep the mulch a couple of inches away from the base. A thick layer against the trunk creates an environment inviting to pests and disease. Leave winter mulch in place until the threat of spring frost subsides.

For more information about mulching, visit https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/protecting-trees-and-shrubs-winter

Until next time, happy gardening

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“November at its best – with a sort of delightful menace in the air.” ~Anne Bosworth Greene