Now that the planting and gardening season is coming to a close, and we are preparing for the long winter, there’s no better time to get your garden and flowerbeds ready for next season by adding some compost and mulch.
The winter can be harsh on soil, bulbs, and perennials. So while a good snow cover can act to insulate many plants, it can also damage sensitive shrubs and trees by placing weight on branches and causing breakage. Which is something that is hard to prevent. What you can prevent, however, is vegetation attrition. Here’s how.
Plants
Start with any perennials you have grown. Gently prune back stems and leaves, after the first frost, down to ground level. Collect all of your plant debris and grind it up so you can mix it with your compost. They will work together to condition the soil and generate nutrients. Remove any diseased or broken leaves and branches from evergreen shrubs and trees.
Compost
Leave your garden and flowerbeds free of compost until after the first freeze, then spread on top. This will prevent any rodents from nesting and allow the soil to absorb as many sunlight nutrients as possible before its winter slumber. Spread compost evenly atop your garden and flowerbed, do not blend in too much. Instead, save that process for spring.
Mulch
Mulch is a great solution for protecting the flowerbeds around your home. It adds a layer of protection from harsh weather and protects any bulbs you may have in the ground. It is also advised that you replace any mulch you spread early in spring. It is likely decomposed and in need of a tune up. Don’t be shy when spreading the mulch for winter. The added protection will do wonders for early bulb bloomers and add hardiness to perennials.
For free delivery of compost and mulch, please don’t hesitate to contact us to discuss your options.