When to mulch?

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kays_camelot Port Sanilac, MI Nov 03, 2008

I have always heard you should wait until the ground freezes to mulch. That is what I did last year and I did not like it. I don't think I am going to like it any better this year either. Last year it was December 1st before the ground was ready and then the mulch was frozen also; we had a terrible time breaking it up. And it was COLD out!

This year we will leave for Florida the last of December so it will have to be done before then. What happens if it should snow several inches at the same time or before the ground freezes? I don't think it would be a good idea to put the mulch on top of the snow. (?) It's going to be warm this week to work outside and I would love to do it now. I keep reading in different forums about people who are saying they are mulching. If the plants are not new ones, will the roots keep them from heaving? Is it really going to make any difference?

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NatureLover1950 Vicksburg, MS(Zone 8a) Nov 03, 2008

I'm in a different climate than you but I've finished all my mulching for the winter. I've never waited till late winter to do mine. The idea is to protect the roots so I don't understand why folks think it would be best to wait till the ground freezes. Maybe someone from up your way will have an explanation for that.

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ecrane3 Dublin, CA(Zone 9a) Nov 04, 2008

I don't know why you would have to wait until the ground freezes--plenty of people live where the ground never freezes and still put down mulch so that shouldn't make any difference at all.

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jcoakley Chicago, IL(Zone 5b) Nov 04, 2008

Is it absolutely necessary to mulch? I only have plants that are hardy to my zone; do they need mulch for the winter? What are the advantages of mulching for the winter?

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NatureLover1950 Vicksburg, MS(Zone 8a) Nov 04, 2008

It helps hold in warmth so the roots can survive the cold months better. I mulch year-round since down here it gets terribly hot and dry and the mulch helps keep the soil from drying out so bad. You don't necessarily have to buy mulch though. I go to the woods and rake up pine straw to use on flowerbeds. It does slowly break down so I top dress the soil with a little lime every couple of years before I add the pine straw so my soil won't become too acid for plants that don't like acid soil. I omit the lime for things like azaleas that like acid soil.

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