The arrival of autumn and its cooler temperatures indicates that it's time to prepare your garden for winter. To maintain the health of your plants throughout the winter season, you need to protect them, hence the importance of adding mulch to your plants.
Why mulch your plants in the fall?
Mulch acts as a protective blanket for the soil and plant roots. The fluctuating temperatures of fall and early spring can stress your plants. A good layer of mulch maintains a more constant temperature in the soil and retains moisture in anticipation of winter. It protects more fragile or recently planted plants.
What type of mulch should you choose?
Each mulch has its own characteristics. Some decompose quickly, enriching the soil, while others offer more durable protection. Here are some interesting options:
- Cedar Mulch: Certainly one of the most popular, it's made from natural or dyed cedar. It's used everywhere in landscaping, especially at the base of trees, shrubs, and hedges. Be aware, it has an acidic pH and is not recommended for the vegetable garden.
- Ramial Chipped Wood (RCW): This mulch of shredded branches decomposes slowly, improving soil structure and providing nutrient-rich humus.
- Organic Mulches:
- Shredded fallen leaves and hedge trimmings are abundant in autumn and make excellent mulch. Warning: Only use healthy leaves. If you see signs of disease like powdery mildew or rust on the leaves, do not use them as mulch to avoid spreading these diseases in the following spring. Apply a generous layer of 15 cm around fruit trees, small fruit shrubs, and perennials.
- Lawn clippings are economical and readily available but decompose quickly. Apply a 5 cm layer and renew as needed.
- Straw is ideal for the vegetable garden, as it retains moisture well. Apply a 7 to 10 cm layer.
When and how to apply mulch?
The ideal time to mulch is when the first frosts appear.
How to apply mulch?
- Clean the area by removing dead leaves, debris, and weeds. In the vegetable garden, remove all dead plants and compost them.
- Lightly loosen the soil.
- Moisten the soil so that the plants store water before winter.
- If necessary, add a balanced fertilizer or compost to nourish the soil.
- Apply the mulch in a thick layer, leaving 5 cm around the base of the plants to prevent rot.
- Recommended thickness:
- Perennials: 5 to 10 cm
- Trees and shrubs: 7 to 10 cm
Which plants benefit from mulching?
All plants grown at the limit of their hardiness zone will benefit from mulch.
- Perennials: Hostas, peonies, asters, and irises benefit from mulch to protect their roots in winter.
- Shrubs: Evergreen shrubs, rhododendrons, hydrangeas, and roses also appreciate mulch to prevent winter frost and keep the soil moist.
- Small fruits: Strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries can be mulched to prevent temperature fluctuations.
- Trees: Young fruit trees and shrubs, as well as newly planted trees, benefit from a layer of mulch around their base to help them establish strong roots.
By mulching your plants in the fall, you offer them essential protection against the harshness of winter. Mulch helps maintain a more stable soil temperature, retains moisture, and protects roots from frost. Take the time to mulch your plants this fall and enjoy a healthy and abundant garden next year!
