• slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide
Winter-Mulch-THUMB.jpg

Winter Mulch

What is winter mulch and what makes it different from what I do in the spring?

Winter mulch helps protect tender late plantings, shallow rooted perennials and bulbs. The goal is to keep the soil frozen throughout winter and early spring, rather than fluctuating between freezing and thawing. These uneven temperature swings can result in root damage, early sprouting or frost heaving of plants and bulbs out of the ground.

Wait until the ground freezes (the surface should be solid or at least crunchy) to apply a 4- to 6-inch layer of straw, marsh hay or evergreen boughs. If there’s already snow on the ground, keep some mulch ready for when it melts later in the season.

Timing is key. If you mulch too soon, the plants may start to grow and are susceptible to disease. You’ll also create a warm habitat for rodents and rabbits that will then feed on your covered plants.

Related

Upcoming Live Events
& Webinars


April 3, 2024
Garden Trends 

Franklin Public Library, Franklin, WI

April 10, 2024
FREE WEBINAR

Container Gardening Throughout the Year
Register now

April 11, 2024
FREE WEBINAR

7 Steps to Managing Water Where it Falls in Your Yard
Register now

April 17, 2024
Landscaping for Birds: 
A Gardener’s Perspective

Glendale, WI 

April 18, 2024
Be a Waterwise Gardener
Golden Rondelle Theater, Racine, WI
Register now

April 20, 2024
Pruning Hydrangeas and Other Shrubs 
Pasquesi Home & Gardens, Lake Bluff, IL

April 27, 2024
Ridges & Rivers Book Festival
Viroqua, WI

April 28, 2024
Flowering Trees and Shrubs
Ebert's Greenhouse Village, Ixonia, WI

May 1, 2024
FREE WEBINAR

Ornamental Fruits and Vegetables
Register now

May 4, 2024
Garden U 2024 

New Richmond, WI
Register now

May 9, 2024
FREE WEBINAR

How to Plant Your Rain Garden
Register now

WATCH ON-DEMAND WEBINARS

Learn More

Book an Appearance

Learn More

Enter to Win The Birds & Blooms' Ultimate Gardening Guide !

ENTER NOW