As we head into the colder months, your garden doesn't have to go dormant without care.
Mulching, a simple yet effective practice, can keep your garden beds thriving through the cold months while setting them up for success come spring. This clever hack not only protects plants but also enriches your soil naturally.
The scoop
Gardeners are turning to mulching as a go-to method for maintaining healthy beds during the fall and winter. An Instagram post from CBC Life features expert advice from horticulturist and author Chris Chung (@fluent.garden), who shares practical tips for mulching.
Whether using fallen leaves, composted mulch, or low-growing ground covers, these materials act as a "protective blanket" for your soil and plant roots.
The video explains how to repurpose fallen leaves — preferably those about palm-sized — for veggie beds and planters. Spread them about three inches thick to break down slowly over winter, returning valuable nutrients to the soil.
Larger perennial beds can benefit from composted mulches, while cold-hardy perennial ground covers like creeping thyme or strawberries can be planted where foot traffic is minimal.
How it's working
First off, mulching saves time and effort in spring by enhancing soil health during the off-season. It also provides insulation for roots, preventing damage from freezing temperatures. For gardeners, this means healthier plants with better yields next year — no extra fertilizer required.
Environmentally, mulching recycles organic materials like leaves that would otherwise go to waste. This process enriches the soil, improves its structure, and fosters a healthier ecosystem in your garden. By adopting mulching practices, you're helping reduce organic waste and supporting sustainable gardening methods.
What people are saying
The online gardening community had only good things to say about mulching.
🗣️ Which of these benefits is your biggest motivation in gardening?
🔘 Getting outside more 🌱
🔘 Growing healthy food 🥕
🔘 Making my yard beautiful 🏡
🔘 I don't garden 🚫
🗳️ Click your choice to see results and speak your mind
One commenter shared, "My vegetables thanked me for the blanket of leaves I used last year for mulch."
Another user praised the method, saying, "I started doing this a couple of years ago with great results."
It's clear that this simple hack is a win-win for both seasoned and new gardeners alike.
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