If you think mulching is just for spring, think again! Don’t underestimate the importance of mulching in the Fall.
While many people living Central Florida think mulch is only for Spring, mulching before the cooler weather sets in has many benefits!
Though it may not snow anytime soon, it does get pretty cold. Our tropical plants need protecting. Mulch acts as a blanket for your plants, trees, and shrubs. Creating a barrier from the bitter cold and insulating the root system. This way the roots stay warm during the winter months and cooler during the heat of the summer.
The Farmer’s Almanac has been the go to place for gardening and landscape advice since 1792. Explaining why mulch this time of year is so important.
Mulch has been called the gardener’s friend—and for good reason. It offers three major benefits:
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- Suppression of weeds
- Conservation of moisture in the soil
- Moderation of soil temperatures, keeping it warmer on cold nights and cooler on hot days
There are also many other benefits of mulch:
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- In winter, protect plants from the cycle of freezing and thawing (which can heave them out of the ground)
- Prevent soil compaction and crusting
- Slow down runoff and erosion, especially on slopes
- Break down and feed the soil
- Warm the soil in spring, allowing the gardener to plant days or weeks before the soil would normally be ready
- Keeping plants off the ground, especially tomatoes and melons, to avoid plant disease
- Keep plants clean, especially lettuce and celery, preventing rain from splashing soil that could carry disease onto plants
- Making gardens “spiffed up” and attractive
Another great reason to mulch in Fall is Reliable Peat’s great Fall sale!
Save 10% off all bulk orders over 6 yards. We pride ourselves on top customer service and the highest quality products at the best price. Contact us Reliable Peat for more information. Or stop by one of our locations, Winter Garden: 407-656-9766 and Groveland: 352-326-5432.
