Winter mulching in Southern landscapes
"My rule of green thumb for mulch is to double my
initial estimate of bags needed, and add three. Then
I'll only be two bags short." (Author
unknown)
Q:
What is the best time for mulching in Florida? What type
of mulch do you recommend and how much should I use?
A:
Every gardener knows that spreading mulch in the garden
helps to protect the soil in general, prevents weeds from
growing, plus it has specific benefits during harsh winter
conditions. A layer of mulch will keep the soil insulated,
roots protected from possible freezing, so you'll also end
up with better results in spring by laying down mulch in
the cold months.
When? We lay mulch in our Florida garden right
now. It is cool so we work twice more efficient. After
rainy summer-fall season, most of mulch around plants had
broken down and in many areas soil is exposed: easy target
for weeds.
In general, in warm climates Fall and Winter mulching is
the most effective. Mulch creates an insulating barrier
between the soil and air, thereby protects plant roots
from rapid fluctuations in soil temperature.
How much? There is never too much mulch. Just make
sure to put it 2-3 inches away from the trunk to prevent
rotting and mold.
What kind? Different types of mulch can be used,
including wood chips, shredded leaves, straw and hay. Yes,
leaves and hay too! Remember all green parts of a plant (=
your leaves and grass) are full of Nitrogen so important
for plant vigor, it eventually will go back into the soil
as extra benefit. Unless you want to spend a fortune on a
fancy red or cypress mulch, you may use these natural
materials that are handy in every garden. After raking
leaves, pile them up and in couple weeks of drying and
breaking down leaves will become a perfect, soft mulch
that is best to use around fragile and herbaceous plants.
After mowing your lawn, save the cut grass and use the hay
as mulch. It always works the best in our garden, keeps
weeds away better than wood chips, and in spite of a
common belief that cut grass is full of weed seeds, we
never seen grass or weeds sprouting from that hay.
Happy mulching and stay warm!
