Winter Mulch ... what to do?

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kellydz Galesburg, MI(Zone 6a) Mar 17, 2011

I have a really basic question and I can't believe I am not sure of the answer. I used straw to mulch all my flower beds for the winter (zone 5). I did that because I figured in the spring I could just leave it in place and put wood chips over to improve the looks. That way the straw would break down under wood chips and improve the soil. But when I have been out looking around the yard the past few sunny days I am worried because the straw is very compacted (I have dogs that "forget" where they can't run around in the winter) and is very moist at the bottom of the layer. Will it break down into the soil once the days are consistently warm or will it be the perfect incubator for fungus and disease? Any help is appreciated.

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themoonhowl Prairieville, LA(Zone 9a) Mar 17, 2011

I use a small shovel gently break through the straw in a few places between plants and pull all the straw away from the base(crown) of the plants. Then I sprinkle the straw with granulated 8-8-8 fertilizer and add the pine bark mulch over the straw. we are pretty humid down here and I haven't had any problems with fungus or disease.

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kellydz Galesburg, MI(Zone 6a) Mar 18, 2011

I am sure our humidity is nothing like yours so I think I should be good then. I am hoping having the loosened straw covered with mulch will be helpful for weed control. Thanks for responding!

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themoonhowl Prairieville, LA(Zone 9a) Mar 19, 2011

You are very welcome. Besides, who wants to throw away good mulch? Grin

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