Winter Mulching
Winter Mulching
In northern regions, like the Willamette Valley, winters can be harsh, with fluctuating temperatures that cause repeated freezing and thawing temperatures throughout the season. This cycle can damage plant roots if they are left unprotected. Think of mulch as insulation for the soil as it provides a protective barrier from the elements. It also provides the following additional benefits:
- Moisture Retention – Winter winds and low temperatures can lead to soil dehydration. Mulching helps retain moisture by reducing water evaporation, ensuring that the soil stays adequately hydrated during the dormant winter months.
- Weed Suppression – Mulch blocks the sunlight which helps inhibit weed seed germination and growth.
- Soil Enrichment – Organic matter, such as bark, compost, shredded leaves, etc. breaks down gradually over time, slowly enriching the soil with essential nutrients. Decomposition slows down but doesn’t stop during the winter.
Numerous materials can be used as mulch such as aged bark, compost, leaves, hazelnut shells, etc. Organic mulches that will decompose over time are the best choices for easy spring cleanup. It is not too late to winterize the garden, now is the perfect time as the Willamette Valley just had its first hard frost. Make sure to prepare the area before putting the mulch down by removing any dead/dying vegetation including weeds to prevent pests and diseases from overwintering in the garden. Apply at least 2-4 inches on landscaping beds and cover the area completely to protect all the plants and the soil. (Keep the mulch 1-2” away from the base of the plants).
LEAVE some of the Leaves
A layer of leaves is vital insulation from the cold for the many insects that hide within or in the soil beneath, like native bees and butterflies. One of the best things that you can do to help pollinators and other invertebrates survive winter is to leave some leaves as they provide habitat and insulation from the cold. They don’t have to be left where they fall, as they can be raked into garden beds, around the bases of trees and shrubs, or composted. Leaves make great soil mulch as they can suppress weeds, retain moisture, and boost nutrition. They don’t need to be left there permanently, any leaves remaining in the springtime can be removed then. If you have more leaves than you can use, they can be dropped off at Highway Fuel where they will be composted.
