Do I really need to do this?

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CarsonBuckingha Jamestown, KY Oct 03, 2017

I would like to know if it is really necessary for me to mulch plants that are hardy to my zone (6B). Doesn't that mean that they can take the lower temps without a problem? So confused. I have berries, day lilies, fruit trees, roses, and grapes--all are zone 6B plants. Please help.

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Cville_Gardener Clarksville, TN(Zone 7a) Oct 03, 2017

Here's some good information: http://davesgarden.com/guides/articles/view/5341/

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CarsonBuckingha Jamestown, KY Oct 04, 2017

Thanks, but it doesn't really answer my question--if plants are tolerant to my planting zone, shouldn't I be able to do without mulching them? I live in KY now, but I'm originally from CT, and I don't remember any gardeners in my family ever mulching anything.

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Cville_Gardener Clarksville, TN(Zone 7a) Oct 05, 2017

The simple answer is yes. They benefit from mulching is it protects plants and provides a layer of protection in overly cold weather.

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CarsonBuckingha Jamestown, KY Oct 05, 2017

But if the plants are hardy to my zone, why do I NEED to protect them? This is what I want to know.

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MaypopLaurel Cleveland,GA/Atlanta, GA(Zone 7b) Oct 05, 2017

Mulch does much more than protect plants from low temperatures. It conserves water and creates a layer between air and soil to maintain more even levels of moisture available to plant roots. It also encourages the growth of mycorrhiza (healthy organisms) at the soil level. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mycorrhiza. As an organic mulch deteriorates it is adding nutrients to the soil. Mulch promotes an earthworm habitat which, in tandem with the worms, acts as a soil conditioner making soil more friable and better aerated. When to use mulch and how much to apply is dependent on the season, rainfall amounts and temperatures in your microclimate. There is usually guidance available from your local extension service.

This message was edited Oct 5, 2017 10:37 AM

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