Benefits of Fall Mulching

As the vibrancy of summer gives way to fall, it's time to shift our focus and begin preparing our gardens for the colder months ahead. This will ensure it will thrive and be ready to grow come spring. If you only want to do one thing to this fall to your garden, MULCH IT! When you know just how many benefits fall mulching can provide to your garden, you will be keen to do it every year.

The Many Benefits of Fall Mulching for Your Garden:

Soil Temperature Regulation: Mulch acts as an insulating layer that helps regulate soil temperatures. This insulation protects plant crowns and roots from sudden temperature drops, reducing the risk of frost damage. Weed Suppression: A thick layer of mulch (3 - 6 inches) can help suppress weed growth by blocking sunlight from reaching dormant weed seeds. This reduces weed germination and reduces the need to weed your garden over winter.

Improves Soil Health: Organic mulch, such as leaves, straw, or compost will break down over time, adding organic matter to the soil. This process feeds the soil food web which improves soil structure by increasing its ability to retain moisture and nutrients and enhancing plant root growth.

Enhances Moisture Retention: Fall mulching helps retain soil moisture by reducing runoff during rain events. Mulch breaks up the soil surface area and acts like a sponge, allowing for more rainwater to percolate into the soil instead of running off.

Prevents Soil Erosion: Mulch creates a protective barrier over the soil, preventing erosion caused by rain and wind. This is particularly important in areas with sloped gardens or bare patches where topsoil can be easily washed away. Reduces Soil Compaction: Rain and snow can lead to soil compaction, which reduces the amount of air and water that reaches plant roots. Mulch helps prevent this compaction by cushioning the soil, allowing for better water infiltration and aeration.

Supports Beneficial Insects and Microbes: Organic mulch creates a hospitable environment for beneficial insects, such as ground beetles, overwintering moths, predatory mites and other beneficial insects for your garden. It will also enhance the microbial ecosystem in the soil, which is essential for breaking down organic material and improving soil fertility. As you support the beneficial insects by mulching, you also enhance bird activity in your garden.

What is the BEST Mulch to Use?

Mulch comes in many forms but one of the best is your own homemade compost. Instead of sending fallen leaves, spent plants, grass clippings and food scraps to the landfill, turn them into valuable organic matter to feed your garden. If you don't compost your own garden waste then shredded leaves, straw (not hay), sawdust and other organic matter do a great job but I do not recommend using woodchips as mulch.

How Do You Know You Have Good Mulch?

Good Mulch should be: - Dark and crumbly to the touch - Sweet smelling from healthy decomposition taking place - Steaming when dug into because of all the healthy microbial activity

Try Planting Cover Crops!

Don't want to haul yards of mulch around? Then try planting cover crops like clover, rye, winter peas or vetch are another fantastic way to protect and enrich your soil during the off-season. These plants provide ground cover, preventing erosion, improving soil structure, and add valuable nitrogen to the soil. This sustainable practice acts like a green mulch feeding and protecting the soil and reduces the need for synthetic fertilizers, enhancing your soil's health over time.